Siren's Song

Morning dawned crisp, cool, and fragrantly
I saw a strong young child lying in a meadow thus contentedly
The bright green grass waved hypnotically
Even I was lulled into tranquility

As the sun rose, the child stood to play,
arms outstretched; ecstatic day!
touching end of twirling green fingers.
The plants caressed his young skin
They seemed to say
“Oh, son of man, join us today!”

His face answered with a delighted smile,
I’ll stay, but just a little while
I’ve mountains to climb, trails to hike, valleys to explore.
If I stay too long, I may not leave forevermore.

The he played and played the morning long
That finally he forgot the young explorer’s song
He forgot to strive, struggle, and yearn
And slowly, slowly forgot to learn
Forgot the thing that brought him here
The seeking mind, the joy, the fear
The grassy siren’s song had claimed his soul
No longer cared he of its toll

Fat and sleek now still he played
The grass had won; his plan delayed
Forgotten were the eager boy’s pursuit
Forgotten was the prize and fruit

The child, lay down now and weary, no longer played
The grass waved on; the trap was laid
And finally closing puffy eyes;
The grass began its waving sigh

Day was dying in the west
The beckoning sun lay down in rest
The siren’s song began again
Sweet and soft it hid the sin
It spoke of lust, of fun, and play
You need not work again today

Then I spied another child
Slowing walking toward this terrible wild
This time I didn’t hesitate or stay apart
I ran to her to warn her heart

The morning dawned, crisp, cool, full of light
This time Joan of Arc stood….quite prepared to fight.