Libera
Courtney Burk
Persephone’s calloused finger rests
on her pomegranate bruised lips
As she texts her friends answers
about their dying indoor plants
And orders tea from the local coffee shop
across from the park where she strolls
barefoot and dogs wag in greeting
Until the air goes crisp as she bites into
the last apple of the season
And kisses her mother’s tear stained cheeks
her smile radiant as she steps into his arms
And the Lord of the underworld welcomes
home his warmth and his Queen.