Resisting The Siren Poem by Barry Middleton

I
I would refuse the siren's call,
the beckoning of an earthen wall.
Come, she sings, come with me,
enchanting fog will set you free.

II
Instead I listen to the wind
for it is not deception's kin.
Its messenger is true and wise.
Death awaits in mist and lies.

III
Life ascends on a spring breeze
without a call for bended knees.
Without demand, its quiet smile
is a gift of love bereft of guile.

IV
A goddess and an evil scheme,
a golden apple and a dream,
still linger deep in Eden's shade
until the time the debt is paid.

V
The alluring hiss of a pale serpent
is resting there without dissent,
torn between the earth and cloud,
where hints of wisdom are avowed.

VI
Men, like snakes, are hypnotized
by secrets in a maiden's eyes,
the universe and mystery
revealed as if she heard their plea.

VII
Still I never found the sage
who could unravel in his age
timeless knots of questioning
fading love and seasons bring.

VIII
Planets turn and sirens call,
men stand weeping at the wall,
and voices whisper in the fall
that is all of all, and that is all.

IX
Beneath an ancient hollow oak,
I smile and mull an inner joke
that knows what I cannot relate
in setting suns that cannot wait.

X
The student has become the teacher,
but deep within this muted preacher,
now grown wizened, lame and weak,
are secrets that I know to keep.