Trees tell their stories
written with green and red ink.
Leaves of history long forgotten…
as Persephone comes and goes,
get trampled under foot after each season.
But, her promised return
instills a flicker of hope in our hearts.
Each year a ring of life is added…
a library of tales from summers past
when growth was fat or lean…
only told by the rings inside.
Until they die, they remain unseen!!
Photos: Dwight L. Roth
Today at d’Verse, Sarah asked us to write a poem from Greek Mythology that included some aspect of Persephone and her comings and goings to Hades in the underworld. The myth is that when she comes she brings spring and summer for six months, but when she goes, everything dies and remains so for six months. I thought trees are a great way to illustrate that by observing their rings.
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Roth Poetry 
So beautiful and haunting, Dwight. I love how you portrayed Persephone throughout this piece.
“as Persephone comes and goes,
get trampled under foot after each season.”
Isn’t that the harsh reality of it? I like that subtle nod to Hades there–that relationship in the myth is beyond vile and unhealthy. It delineated the poor treatment of women by gods who were more like monsters.
I also really love the photos you used here, they paint such an opposite scene from each other; the beauties of spring, and the darkness of winter with Hades.
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Thank you so very much Lucy for your wonderful assessment fo my poem! I had not read Greek Mythology so this is my first encournter with Persephone! An interesting story for sure!
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The two lines you cite are the ones that reached out to me as well.
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Thank you very much Liz!
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You’re welcome, Dwight!
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Beautiful poem and inspiring photos 👌🌷🙏
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Thank you very much!
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So welcome 🙏🌷
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This was such an amazing poem Dwight so beautifully penned and illustated with such a beautiful underground vibe!!! 💖💖💖💖
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Thank you Cindy! I appreciate your kind words!
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You’r so welcome Dwight❣️
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I absolutely love this.
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Thank you so much for your kind comment!
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I think trees are a perfect illustration, too. I especially liked, “a library of tales from summers past” represented in the rings. Beautiful! ❤
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Thank you very much Jan! It was an interesting write for me.
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Very nice
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Thank you very much!
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I agree with JanBeek. Trees are an excellent choice for your prompt. Budding branches represent hope and renewal. Your last line is fantastic!
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Thank you so much Michele! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
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Beautiful poem, Dwight. I appreciate your empathy with the trampled Persephone ❤
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Year after year… like a really bad ground hog day! :>)
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Very lovely!
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Thank you very much!
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It’s so easy to get lost in the beauty of this.. Your writing is, as always, stunning.
Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you so much Sheri for your very kind words. I am honored that you enjoy my poetry and posts.
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Of course, it’s my pleasure, truly. 💕
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“Until they die, they remain unseen”
So many layers to this statement. Beautiful words.
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Thank you so much, Raaga. It does seem to be that way in our lives as well!
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More than we care to admit!
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I love the way you took the natural perspective on the Persephone myth! Trees are certainly a great way to illustrate the changes wrought by passing seasons.
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Thank you Ingrid! You know Nature is my muse!! :>)
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I love your use of trees here – changing with the seasons, “dying” in the winter, returning in the spring. And the tree rings are so evocative, too
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Thank you very much Sarah. I am glad you enjoyed it.
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This might be one of my favorites of yours, Dwight. It’s lovely. I like how Persephone is brought in through the story of trees, and the “library of tales” in the rings. Rings themselves–circles and cycles of nature. Beautiful photo, too.
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Thank you so very much Merril! It just seemed to fit the theme of the new life and death cycle in the story. I am so glad you enjoyed it. I really appreciate your kind words.
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You’re very welcome, Dwight!
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Dwight, as always, an uplifting, yet down-to-earth take on the prompt. I thoroughly enjoyed this!
❤
David
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Thank you so much David. I like to stay grounded!! :>)
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I really like your take on the Persephone myth.
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Thank you Liz! It was new to me, but intriguing!
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You’re welcome, Dwight.
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The essence of Persephone comes beautifully alive through your words. Love the gentle cadence of your verse.
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Thank you so much for your kind words. It is an interesting tale for sure. Trees just seemed to fit the theme very well for me.
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You are welcome. Yes, trees did fit beautifully.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thanks Chuck!
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I never thought it so, but trees ARE the librarians of the centuries. Wonderful train of thought, Dwight.
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Thank you so much Beverly!
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Beautifully composed Dwight. Trees are a part of our personal stories and of history, starting from the beginning. Themes including trees never seem to get old, no matter how you contextualize the topics! ❤🌲🥰🌳💖
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Thanks Kym! and You know I do love trees and what they represent in life and nature. This seemed to be a good fit!
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Perfect fit my friend!!! 😊🌳🥰
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Love the flicker of hope and the rings of life not seen til death. Great poem!
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Thank you very much Mary!
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I find the story disturbing. I am glad to be reminded of a more hopeful perspective.
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Yes it is very much that way. The Greeks has a dark perspective!
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Pingback: Persephone’s Marks – MAd Production. Company.
Love this especially; “a library of tales from summers past when growth was fat or lean…only told by the rings inside.” Gorgeous, gorgeous poem, Dwight 😀
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Thank you Sanaa for you very kind words! It was an interesting challenge for me.
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Love this…and most especially the ending. I’m trying to think….is there anything else that only shows its age reliably upon its death?
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Thanks you so much Lillian. You pose an interesting question. I cannot think of any. Maybe some shellfish?
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A clever incorporation and beautiful writing.
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Thank you very much! It was a fun challenge!
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