Orpheus Saves Ophelia

Orpheus Saves Ophelia
© Surazeus
2024 10 15

Flapping frail wings in early morning glow, 
the white crane lands on oak tree in the stream 
where the violin and the long-haired girl, 
still wearing long black dress, float in green waves, 
in peaceful solitude as sudden breeze 
ripples water that kisses her pale cheeks. 

After failing to bring Eurydice 
back alive from the lightless underworld, 
Orpheus wanders weeping on the shore, 
hair swirling in the breeze that ripples waves 
across green sorrow of the River Styx 
where floating girl holds her red violin. 

Gasping at sight of young girl in long dress 
floating in river of angelic tears, 
Orpheus wades in muddy flow of fear, 
then lifts her in his arms with gentle grace 
to bear her dripping among river reeds, 
then breathes air of life to revive her soul. 

Breathing deep desperate desire for love 
that swirls in beams of light from timeless stars, 
Orpheus fills Ophelia with his faith 
till she expels water of bitter tears, 
and opens eyes blue as the storm-calm sea 
that gaze surprised at his sun-haloed face. 

Bearing her to his safe round tholos fane, 
Orpheus sparks bright fire of crackling flames 
to warm cold body of the shivering girl, 
who smiles shyly when he offers brass cup 
of juice that fills her heart with gratitude, 
while he carefully cleans her violin. 

As cool wind swishes hair around her face, 
Ophelia stands inside the pillared fane 
and plays heart-aching melodies of hope 
on star-vibrant strings of the violin 
that swirls ecstatic waves of rainbow tones 
in graceful spirals of enchanting love. 

Strumming gold strings on lyre of Mercury, 
Orpheus sings in potent harmony 
with fervent passion of zealous intent 
sad tale of the lonely heart-broken boy 
who saves the drowning girl from bleak despair, 
two lost lovers who find new love to share. 

Long after Orpheus and Ophelia 
raise three clever children, grow old, and die, 
their grandson Galaton paints on fane walls 
scenes depicting progress of their romance 
when the Singer lifts up the Violinist 
and carries her safely to garden grove.