Hylas And The Nymphs, John Waterhouse, Manchester City Art Gallery Poem by tim woodhouse

Handsome Hylas lands on some deserted shore with the Argonauts,
Open sandals, flowing robe, body lean and taut,
Comes to a limpid pool with lilies and gentle ripples
Where half a dozen naked nymphs, all pouting lips and protruding nipples
Appear to lure him in with promises of endless sex in various positions.

Well, he's fairly shy at first and struggles with his youthful inhibitions
But he takes the plunge, we guess, we never see exactly when,
Although one thing's for sure - he ain't never seen again! !

Did he die, a frightened, thrashing man, screaming for his mother,
Or is he at it still, a tired but happy lover? ?