SUN SETTING

iii.

mother, mother, did i tell you that i was not dragged to kingdom of darkness? that the rumours whispered out of delicate lips and through worried ears are not true? that i willingly walked down the steps to the world of where only darkness lays in wait? that i flourished like a night flower in the dim light? that when i took my husbands hands and walked through the wailing ghost souls and saw the tortured rivers, i smiled?

because i did. the rumours were wrong mother. i knew exactly what i did when the red liquid dribbled down my throat. i became a queen. i wore a crown of darkness, of ash, of roses. he saw my thorns, mother! and he showed no fear, no surprise! unlike you.

you couldn't believe the bloody needles that you saw with your own eyes. you refused. you crafted me into this perfect little child and when you saw that i was everything but perfect you put up an illusion! you told them that i was dragged against my will! you spun my husband into monster! you are a liar, mother.

every time you wrap your steel fingers around me, a forest fire in your gaze warning me to play a weak victim, i smile. i will not. spring is mine, and the darkness that unfurls with it is mine as well. do not make me play your games, mother. i will tear them apart, i will make your empire of lies crumble until not even ruins can be seen.

– i am persephone, and i will craft my own tale of darkness and truth