Hades’ Anticipation

Persephone, My Love,

The palace is positively thrumming with activity

in anticipation of your arrival. 

The staff is in a cleaning frenzy. 

It is not an easy undertaking. 

I have not used the place gently in your absence. 

I had a tendency to wander with my food and drink

into various lesser-used rooms, and leave

cups of wine, chewed on meat bones, and crusts of bread strewn about,

the litter of my ambulatory brooding. 

And the parties, not the lavish balls with refined

dress, music, dancing, food and drink that we host together,

no,

these were the brutish gatherings with my rough friends

where so much wine and spirit is consumed that brawls

or contests to destroy the furnishings break out. 

They all end with participants, myself included,

bloodied and passed out in some corner of the palace,

the various bodily effluence, flowing without the slightest discretion. 

Just before your arrival I hold a small ceremony with the staff. 

We raise the chandelier in the ballroom. 

When you leave, I have it lowered to the floor

where it illuminates the room gloomily, casting shadows about the room. 

It signals my decree that there will be no dancing in the underworld

until Persephone returns. 

The staff cannot wait for your return, and neither can I. 

I long for the illumination you bring to my dark corner. 

You bring the light of the living world with you. 

It radiates from you, warming all who come into contact with you. 

I crave it.  Jealously, I want that warmth all for me. 

I hope you will indulge me for a week or so

before you begin with the social engagements.  

When you arrive I will sweep you off of your feet

and bring you immediately to the bedchamber. 

There I will tear off your clothes with great haste

that I may look upon your entire form immediately.

Taken as I am by your appearance,

I will need to also immediately kiss you,

all over,

I will start with your feet that will most certainly be in need of attention

after your long travels to the underworld.

My lips will move up your feet, trace your delicate ankle bones, and

glide along the graceful lines of your legs, over your hips,

and wander to your belly, the skin there, ‘a bowl brimming with milk.’

This will lead me inexorably to your beautiful breasts. 

My mouth will find its home between them

and explore their delicate curves.

Until my lips find your neck momentarily,

before hungrily moving to your lips. 

My lips and tongue will play with yours and show you

The way I intend to play with your more delicate regions. 

Yours with love, forever

Hades