Orpheus: A Tragicomedy in Six Parts

ORPHEUS: A TRAGICOMEDY

There once was a fellow from Thrace, 
Who wouldn't accept his wife's fate--
With only a lyre,
He walked through the fire,
To spring her from Hades' place.

But when the man met with the god,
And spoke of his plight, god guffawed.
"So what?" Hades said,
"Lots of people are dead.
Now beat it, you musical fraud."

Well, the fellow from Thrace wouldn't leave--
What's the point to a life bereaved?
"But I love her!" he crooned,
As he plucked out a tune,
"Don't you know what it's like to grieve?"

And his music was so sweet to hear,
That the god wiped away a few tears,
Then said, "Fine, you sad sack,
If you just don't look back,
You can lead your wife straight out of here."

Now, play as that fellow from Thrace,
Going down into Hades' place.
To get back your wife,
Your muse, your life,
Just don't turn to look at her face!