Round the apple tree

Hades in love. They thought it
would be a sorry sight, awkward
at least. Something to laugh at
as the fire died.

What did they know, nymphs
and muses, wishes gone cold,
other than the stirrings of old and gentle
hearts. They never made the earth

shatter, horses tremble. What did they
know about high noon, as the world
holds its breath and prays for all
fairy tales to pass.

They were as gullible
as evening rain. No match
for his elegy or any true outspoken verse.

Even so, when he rose he thought
of apple trees and how one of those
would brighten his day.

Not about girls playing the field
singing songs. Childish games
to summon love.