Hades To Persephone Poem by Lee Ann Schaffer

Tell me that you weren’t hungry that day.
Tell me that’s not what got you to stay.
Seven seeds don’t seem like quite enough
Reason to leave a mother’s deep love.

I want to believe you had the choice;
I was hearing more than my own voice;
That you opened the palms of your hands
To offer your heart, not meet my demands.

Convince me that you want to be here;
It’s not my trick that keeps you so near.
You chose me. You love me. This is real.
No silly seven seeds sealed the deal.

Miss your mother when the door must shut;
Love and hurt when you must leave her, but—
Come back wearing our hearts on your sleeve;
Yearn to stay here, and I will believe.

No need to say; I know why you go.
I won’t block your way, make a big show.
Just tell me you weren’t hungry that day.
Just tell me I’m the reason you stay.