siren song



    This is the one song everyone
    would like to hear: 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
    because 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 don'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.

© Margaret Atwood




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© 1999 Jennie Alibasic