Lupercus Pagani
Myrtle-crowned, golden hair like corn silk spun from volcanic forge
woven with hazelnuts into greying tresses that show her ancient age
In a bronze mirror, she smoothes deep furrows around her eyes and lips
while attendants, the Seasons, annoint her with myrrh and pennyroyal
Great Demeter drapes a dark epiblema over her deep blue chiton
anticipating the descent of her daughter to Hades’ frozen shores
But now, they sing to her and dear Kore of the first harvest fruits
as she takes joyful steps that stir the dust from Gaia’s lovely brow
neosalexandria 