The Siren

7:00 AM

John William Waterhouse, The Siren, 1900
By KARL SHEERAN

Siren's Song 
by Margaret Atwood

The is the one song everyone
would like to learn: the song
that is irresistible:

the song that forces men 
to leap overboard in squadrons 
even though they see the beached skulls

the song nobody knows 
beacause anyone who has heard it 
is dead, and the others can't remember.

Shall I tell you the secret 
and if i do, will you get me
out of this bird suit?

I don't enjoy it here
squatting on this island
looking picturesque and mythical

with these two feathery maniacs,
I dont't enjoy singing
this trio, fatal and valuable.

I will tell the secret to you,
to you, only to you.
Come closer. This song 

is a cry for help: Help me!
Only you, only you can,
you are unique

at last.  Alas
it is a boring song
but it works every time.

Editor's Note: Students were asked to match a poem of their choice with a painting of their choice. The relationship between the two shall be determined by the viewer/reader.

You Might Also Like

0 comments