Orpheus by Lizzy Hardingham

 

I am no Orpheus I should not follow you under

I should take time for pursuits that will bring me some joy

Here in this moment I promise these words I’ll remember

I am worth more than a puppet or even a toy

 

Now I am yearning for grapes in the field of a spring time

I am Persephone caught tween the light and the black

Now in this moment I promise this oath I’ll remember

I will gaze forward and not on the train on its track

 

Here I stand torn in two

If I stay I’ll forget I know

This sweet prayer that counters you

You’re not Hades yet, even though

 

Here in your company no one is gaining an ego

You send the messenger just to bring me bad news

Here in this moment I promise this protest I’ll remember

While there is breath in my lungs it is my choice to choose

 

I am no Orpheus I should not follow you under