And I could not let her down.
So I left with her. We walked
through the mouth of one cave
out through another
till we were by the greenest
of forests full of bluebird song
and the bright glow of fireflies.
It was said that a spring Goddess
had crafted this forest from barren soil.
As we walked slower now,
marvelling at each fine leaf and flower,
the careful details of an artist,
we heard a terrible sound
rip through the peace.
A loud,
unmistakable
scream.
A Forest Corrupted
It is obscene how often
the cruellest things can happen
in the most beautiful places.
This forest was a sacred jewel
in the crown of a bright,
young spring Goddess.
Even the deer and lambs
lived in peace with
the lions and wolves here.
Hecuba was off like a shot
in the direction of the scream
and I ran after her in pursuit.
