Alan Tucker

Orpheus, Hermes and Eurídike

A tree arose  O serene arousal
Orpheus sings  O branching in the ear
the myrtle groves re-echo an espousal
song ascends descends from cliff and scar

in clear air at the cavern mouth
animals gather, birds fall silent to hear
the rocks themselves lean forwards
the figures behind him flee in fear

the music grows,  pebbles begin to move
hills and valleys creak and heave apart
the sun splits open a sky aflame with love
reality is metamorphosed into art
distraught mimesis overwhelms his world
tree, bird, animal, Eurídike, empty words.

Stroud, January 2008