Narcissus Poem by Ray Lucero

A boy, Narcissus long ago lived in Greece
Perfect of body, dark hair fine as fleece

The face of an angel, no one could deny
Fair skin, large eyes as blue as the sky

A nymph for a mother, his father a god
Who ruled over all rivers, narrow 'n broad

Narcissus, loved by Apollo the most handsome of men
Would ascend Mount Olympus, to sojourn now 'n then

He dined with Zeus and with gods great and small
As demigods might at an extravagant Grand Ball

One day Narcissus sat in repose by a clear water pond
Looked down at his image and at once grew fond

Of the beauty neath him so at once he did fall
In love with himself, to the exclusion of all

Eyes only for self, this youth did briefly enjoy
But soon grew deluded and sad lonely boy

He faded, withered and would soon die
He lay on his back gazing up at the sky

Saw the form of Apollo looking down from above
A smile on his face, radiating warmth and pure love

Narcissus left his body, his spirit did rise,
No more burdened by beauty, he saw with new-eyes

Looked down at the earth so far below
Saw where he once lay, a flower did grow

A flower devoid of vanity, stately and sound
Blooming, seeding, spreading, soon to be found

By all who love beauty that speaks to one’s heart

Narcissus!

You're now of Earth’s landscape, no longer apart