The Crimson Virgin Poem by Chris Zachariou

In a cavern full of chameleons
and green apples, the actor binds
the virgin to his bed made of silk.

She remembers moons and years ago
when mama begged her to wear white
but the child disobeyed and dressed
in crimson.

The priest comes to the forest
riding a crusader's rusty cross—
he wants to save her for the faith
but no one in the town believes him.

Incantations and incense fill the air
but his prayers are all in vain.

Claudius lures the virgin's honour
to his bed made of silk and the actor
and the nymph sweat all night.

The chameleons and the river
turn to crimson, the scent
of blood and apples fills the cavern
and the town begins to wonder
'If only she wore white and not crimson.'