Beware the Songs the Sirens Sing, by Ron Wetherington

Ulysses and the Sirens, by Herbert James Draper (England) 1909

Beware the Songs the Sirens Sing

With pride did bold Ulysses use his guile
to keep his sailors fixed upon their goal,
lest wayward siren songs their minds beguile
to end the journey and corrupt the soul.

He stopp’d their ears to shield them from their charm,
while shipmates bound him tightly to the mast.
Seductive songs, intended to disarm,
provoked his spirit ‘til the danger passed.

And so, with Circe’s guidance they survived,
and trimmed their sail to head for hearth and home.
All Ithaca rejoiced when he arrived,
and—with Ulysses—thrived for years to come.

This tale I tell thee offers lessons three:
One, beware of treasures from the deep.
Two, be wary when you hear a lady’s plea, and
three, know well: some songs do not come cheap.

(This wisdom may fair fortune pay!)

So, should it happen you are on the strand
when morning mists creep in across the sea
and she arises, quietly, to stand
pretentiously before you, do not flee.

Hear her supplications unafraid—those
exaggerated promises she poses.
Cede nothing to her comely masquerade,
and profit from the lessons it discloses.

Though she has countless fables that bemuse
(which many a sailor’s heart did commandeer!),
her ancient tales are mainly just a ruse, and
her promises are mostly insincere.

So, do enjoy the softness of her voice;
admire her beauty, with its small deceits.
But understand, she offers Hobson’s choice:
Whatever builds is often what defeats.

(And one more thing: Don’t let her sing!)

Ron Wetherington

Ron Wetherington is a retired professor of anthropology. He has published a novel, Kiva (Sunstone Press), and numerous short fiction, prose poems and literary essays. Read some of his work at https://www.rwetheri.com/