This Minute Poem variation (written with a rhyme scheme of abab instead of aabb) was inspired by a formation of seven ibis flying overhead one evening last month, white against a deep red sky.

The imagery of the poem is influenced by the Greek myth of Persephone, goddess of Spring growth and wife of Hades, who abducted her to the Underworld to make her his queen. She was rescued by the messenger god, Hermes, who is often associated with the Egyptian ibis, but because she had eaten six pomegranate seeds whilst in the realm of Hades, she was bound to return to him after the harvest, to spend the winter months of each year below ground.

Thanks to Julie (FanArtReview benhar) for the image. I see from her profile that she lives on Hindmarsh Island, South Australia - just a few miles away from me. Perhaps they are two of the very same ibis that I saw that evening!

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