Beware the Enchantress

Beware the Enchantress

Ask any seafaring man about Sirens.
Do they exist, can they be trusted?
Most seamen would say, “For no reason believe these maidens.”
Who knows what these witches have constructed?

Silas Scrimshaw heard of Sirens at an early age.
Silas went sailing as a youngster aboard the Emilia.
Old Ivory Jack told of sea hags that did engage.
In fact, one story was a saga.

One fine day Ivory Jack began his tales.
He told of Peisinoe, Thelxiepia and Aglaope.
According to Jack, each uttered seductive wales.
Each Siren’s crooning was like a rope.

Odysseus was curious as to the Siren’s sounds.
He had his me plug their ears with beeswax.
He knew the calling of the crones dumbfounds.
His idea shielded from bewitching attacks.

Odysseus had his men strap him to the mast.
It gave him more protection form the witches.
Once they sailed to safety, he was unchained at last.
All on board were safe from the voices.

Old Jack spoke of Peisinoe.
She played an enticing harp.
The notes she strummed, so mellow.
Sailors was tempted, consequences were sharp.

Jack encouraged Silas to evade all Sirens.
It would be best to sidestep every encounter.
Eschew the Siren’s summons.
Be safe, alive and much the wiser.

Silas was enamored by Jack’s tales.
Down deep, the young salt was shocked by the alarum.
He thought of the tales when he was in the topsails.
However, the tales often broke up the humdrum.

Silas forever thought of Ivory Jack’s sagas.
Life was hard and sailors enjoyed the voyages.
They were easily charmed with temptress dramas.
Good tales were great between sea breezes.

Nothing could spark the imagination,
Of a seaman as a lengthy tale about intrigue.
Usually they were about dragons or Siren.
Some tales continued league after league.

Silas appreciated all his voyages.
The days were long and the work was hard.
The stories of Ivory Jack were often his choices.
The old salt was Emilia’s bard.

Silas relished a long life upon the sea.
He reflected often on Jack’s advice.
He knew the old salt’s wisdom was timely.
Never let the Siren melodies entice.

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