antonismitsopoulos

"Ο εφιάλτης της Περσεφόνης" Μάνος Χατζιδάκις - Νίκος Γκάτσος - Μαρία ΦαραντούρηThe nightmare of Persephone

There, where pennyroyal and wild mint grew

and earth sprouted her first cyclamen

now peasants bargain for cement

and birds drop dead in the furnace.

Sleep, Persephone

in earths embrace

to this worlds balcony

Come out no more.

There, where mystics joined hands

reverently on entering the sacrificial site

now tourists throw tab ends

and gaze at the new oil refinery.

Sleep, Persephone

in earths embrace

to this worlds balcony

Come out no more.

There, where sea was blessed

and bleating in the fields was a prayer

now trucks carry to the shipyards

empty bodies, children of scrap metal and plating.

Sleep, Persephone

in earths embrace

to this worlds balcony

Come out no more