We Are All Strings On A Lyre

Written By Elle

There’s often times when one can forget about the gods and their pull on the world. I myself am guilty of this. Especially when the world is so harsh and cold.  A winter to remember, that’s for damn sure.  I’m hesitant to step out into the cold, feeling my shoes slowly soak in the unfortunate amount of snow that instantly piled up.  I cringe a little.  Great.  Just what I needed.

The brisk air fills my lungs, usually it feels suffocating.  I react in the same way my peers are reacting, grumbling about how cold and wet it is outside.  However I also take in the sight of the world around me.  My body settles into peace.  I remember the Lady of Snow.  The one I used to pray to for snowfall, or to keep my family safe.  My eyes fall on a flower bed, covered in an absolutely perfect blanket of snow.  It looks so gentle and cozy.  Letting the flowers rest their pretty heads before Lady Khione lifts her covers and the Queen Persephone wakes them.

My Lady’s snow is falling quietly, gracing each and every person in the courtyard as it does.  It lands in my friend's hair, blessing her with the cool touch of a loving mother.  Her cheeks get rosy as she settles into the embrace of Lady Snow.  She might feel cold, but that means she is also feeling the tender affections of my Lady.  I listen to her irritated complaints and just smile and agree, turning my attention to a tree planted in the middle of the courtyard.

It’s beautiful even without all of its green leaves and brilliant red berries.  The white and brown isn’t as harsh as it usually feels this time of year.  It’s calm.  There are a few dried out and frozen berries that never fell and are still clinging to the tree.  A promise.  A promise that even though the world is asleep, and feels dead, there will always be new life waiting just around the corner.

Every spring there will grow new berries on that very tree.  We don’t need to fear the light never returning, for we can see the evidence that what is now will come to pass into better and brighter things.  Khione in her infinite care will see us through until we can be blessed by the rejuvenation of the Queen, asleep like the flowers, in the Underworld.  

I’m broken from my daze with the loud echoes of students who have yet to see the calm beauty of winter.  I know all they feel is the harsh bite of the air, and the screams coming from frozen fingers.  I feel it too, really.  However I also see the care.  A care from loving beings who have created all of this for us to enjoy.  A care that extends beyond the bounds of religion.  A care that cradles you like a mother cradles her baby, either through the lens of a deity or nature. 

I trudge into the school once more, slipping on my way in.  I laugh a little and wipe my feet.  It’s almost as if the Lady did not want me to leave that tranquil paradise she had created just yet.  I’ll be back though, I always find myself back.  Hopefully next time, with more layers.