Sally Cook’s cleverly titled "As the Underworld Turns" was named one of two runners-up in the recent BAP Poem Challenge judged by Paul Violi. It’s a charmer! Here it is:
AS THE UNDERWORLD TURNS
Like her sis, Persephone
On fair Adonis set her sights.
Underworld talk had it that she
Interfered with sister’s rights.
So, old Zeus ruled there’d be seasons!
Earth’s year went, two-thirds, to ladies.
*
Goodness knows, Zeus had his reasons —
Life stayed sweet in the Cyclades.
Under, next to Hades’ furies
Cabbage and anemones,
Kissed to life, were blessed by Ceres.
— Sally Cook