Appalachian Persephone

neath yonder mountain
sleeps Kori so fair
dewdrops of May
in her auburn hair
Hayden Black did lure her there
to sleep beneath the clay

was after the leaves
had blazed and died
she vowed she'd be
Hayden's bride
whether from loss of love or pride
I cursed that golden day

he spoke of things
so falsely sweet
luring her to the dark damp deep
bitter was my heart's strong keep
and light withered away

Hayden smiles with
oily sheen
swears she'll return
in April clean
as a daffodil
ere come Spring
she'll shine upon the day

no faith I have
in Spring's return
my love it grows
and aches and burns
much grief is all
I can learn
as deep in the earth she lay

Hayden sighs with
wintry content
yet soon his is
that heart that's rent
by my warmth of
summery intent
I'll draw her from the clay