persephone

Media: Mixed Media, Found Objects on Wood Panel
Dimensions: 24" x 48"
Date of Work: 01/04

Mother,

by now you know

I wont be back.

I tried to say goodbye

The day before I disappeared-

but by then it was too late,

I was already gone long before I ever left.

I’ve heard what they’ve been saying How I was forced against my will- ‘Rough plucked’
from your own garden The ‘blushing rose’ mowed down mid bloom

But we both know the truth-

Like willful Eve who found wisdom’s fruit far sweeter then the withered drupe of
woman’s duty, I too bit hard into that plum forbidden and let it’s ripe run over me!

I didn’t mean to hurt you To bruise the tender underbelly Of your ‘every mothers’ dream

Perhaps I loved too much the broken things, The ugly and unclean to ever be the ‘lady’
that you wanted me to be.

up there, I’d only ever be just ‘that pretty girl from Cholcis’ no more or less than
what the accident of birth intended I should be.

but here, in dark, deep down beneath the root, ringed round by piles of bone, blind worms
and brimstone- I’m patron saint to those sad souls who burn with loves desire- and weep a
constant flow of scalding tears at Gods cold hearted silence.

Jesus came here once, I’m told but only for the weekend,

so I remain to love those things that Christ left unforgiven.

I’m writing to you just to say- You did the best you could, but it’s time to end the search

Even if you found the little girl That used to be your daughter- No light that you could
lend me now, Would prove half as bright As the torch I carry for my self.

(Poetry by Dane O'Hara)