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The Bewitching Call of the Siren

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Author's Notes: "The Bewitching Call of the Siren" is a Canzone I completed on July 4, 2016. I chose the "Canzone" poetic format since I thought this would be a very flexible format (more so than a traditional sonnet) for this particular theme. My intent and focus with this dark poem was to present the grim tale of a most evil Sea Siren whose charge from her master, Lucifer, is to lure unknowing seafarers to her grotto lair so she can prey upon them, kill them, and consign their souls to Lucifer's dark world of eternal damnation. Part of my inspiration for doing this particular poem was based up on my recent in-depth re-reading of John Keats' Ballad classic: "La Belle Dame Sans Merci." (I also make a related allusion in Verse 5 to the "Lorelei" rock (in German: Rock = "Felsen") located on the Rhine River, which the great German poet, Heinrich Heine, popularized in his historically famous "Die Lorelei" poem, whereby the mythical Germanic River Siren, named "Lorelei," would lure unsuspecting river travelers and their boats and ships with her melodic siren song to their ultimate doom and destruction by colliding with the "Lorelei" rock.) The particular Sea Siren I write of in this poem is one whose depth of evil and reckless perversion is far greater than the River Siren of the German "Lorelei" legend. Hence, my words in Verse 5, key on the more powerful nature of this great evil Sea Siren. The rest of the verses in this poem continue the development and build out of the vile and macabre nature of this Sea Siren, as well as her evil intentions and actions as she ritualistically dooms all of her victims to a most horrible death, and, through Lucifer, ensures the ultimate destruction of their eternal souls. Without any further intellectual discussion and ado, all I can say now, is to enjoy this most delicious dark write!! (Gary Bateman - July 4, 2016) (Canzone)

Verses: 20 (in one stanza)

Meter: Varied

Rhyme Sequence: aa|bbb|cc|dd|eeee|fcf|gg|hh

Categories: dark, death, evil, god, heaven, myth, and symbolism.

The Bewitching Call of the Siren She ululates a forlorn desire for a human love; She’s pure evil, not from God’s Heaven above. This siren’s seductive melody is heard on all seas, And even on the largest lakes and flowing rivers; Bringing even seafarers near Die Lorelei to shivers! Beguiling young sailors to such a ghastly death; This vile creature’s venom is felt with each breath! Her visage is one of true love and blessed pulchritude, Yet Lucifer’s mask is dark with great evil certitude! Her perfumed scent enlivens her victims’ senses, Whilst her dark green eyes and deep wet kisses; Mesmerize her prey, oblivious now to all consequences; Now feeling her fatal bites and hearing her hideous hisses! She taketh all pleasure in her world of this evil measure, Enthralling all her sad victims to a most horrible death; Now Lucifer counts with joy the lost souls’ treasure! Always sans merci this siren be to those in her grot, As her victims find their souls lost to Hell’s dark rot! Beware say I to all good seafarers, do heed this tale well; Be deaf to this siren’s call or your life shall end in Hell! Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved, July 4, 2016 (Canzone)

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Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 12/17/2016 12:10:00 PM

Very chilling, yet beautifully written poem, Gary. I agree w/Paul. Ty for dropping the knowledge in the Poets Page. Very informative, and helps to better understand the understated horror and sadness of this jewel of a poem. Love and joy to you, my poetic friend.

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/17/2016 12:21:00 PM

Hello Freddie!! Thanks so much for dropping by and for your read of my Canzone here. I really enjoyed putting this particular write together. I'm glad you enjoyed this rather chilling write. Best Christmas Wishes to you and your family!! Best Always, Gary

Michelle Mac Donald

Date: 8/17/2016 12:13:00 PM

Oh my, "Her perfumed scent", something akin to a Channel's Eau de Mer? Feels as though a whipping post has been erected. Is this a black tie BYOW affair? Maybe an invitation to a Fou Klux Clan gathering; white ghostly robes, with empty see less eyes? World without time people have been unjustly accused. I suppose some things will never change. Best wishes, Mikki

Gary Bateman
Date: 8/26/2016 8:43:00 AM

Hello Miki, Be assured that I don't view Mr. Trump as a laughing matter. I'm inalterably opposed to everything that individual stands for -- absolutely!! I certainly do believe in both Good and Evil in this life. I write about both in many of my writes, whether they be poetic, metaphorical, metaphysical, and/or spiritual. Like you too, I'm blessed with a conscience grounded in the power of God. Best Always, Gary

Michelle Mac Donald
Date: 8/18/2016 11:34:00 AM

I smiled at the reference to Trump, though it is in no way a laughing matter.:( Yes evil resides everywhere. I believe in the power of God, His commandments, and that most of us have been blessed with a conscience.

Gary Bateman
Date: 8/17/2016 4:47:00 PM

Hello Miki, Best Greetings to you!! I'm afraid that this Siren's perfume scent would more than likely be Eau de Mer. Evil, whether figurative or real in this world of ours, will be with all of us until the end of mankind. (Fou Klux Clan gathering -- sounds like one of Donald Trump's wonderful non-intellectual rallies!!) Best Always to You Mikki, Gary

Paul Callus

Date: 7/16/2016 7:38:00 AM

You have done an excellent job, Gary. The form chosen and the content of this poem are most compatible; the same can be said as regards the evil siren and Lucifer. Thank you for the wealth of information which you provide in your preceding notes. ~ All the best. // paul

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/16/2016 7:54:00 PM

Hello Paul!! Thanks for your visit and read of my evil siren write here. (I've not forgotten you at all. I've been quite busy in the prose-writing endeavor presently, which means I still do write and post poetry from time-to-time, albeit at a reduced rate.) The "Author's Notes" have almost become a ritual with all of the poetry I wrote. (I'm even including backstory notes with all of my prose writes for my second book.) The notes benefit the reader, of course, and they help me out as well as a reflection point for what I've written and my intention and attendant backstory, etc. Cheers and Best, Gary

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 7/14/2016 6:11:00 PM

Exceptional piece of writing Gary with your notes packed strength to it powerful pen pal sorry not been around much my Internet connection is still down passing you both a warm smile with an Irish blessing

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/14/2016 7:22:00 PM

Thanks Liam Mate!! Appreciate your read and comments as always. (We must talk again soon in the near future.) I'm currently alternating between writing further poems, and working on prose writes for Book Two. Continued Best Wishes . . . Gary

Tom Arnone

Date: 7/14/2016 6:10:00 PM

Wow. That's one demonic siren. Good read and write, Gary. :-)

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/14/2016 7:20:00 PM

Thanks Tom!! I really appreciate your read and comment here. Yes, this demonic siren is one that a person should never meet. Cheers and Best, Gary

Viv Wigley

Date: 7/13/2016 1:02:00 AM

A fine piece, Gary. I visited the Lorelei back in 1985, I can see how some would meet their doom. A #7 from me, regards, Viv

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/13/2016 10:43:00 AM

Hello Viv, Thanks for your note here and your gracious comments. And for the "7"!! Yup, I've been to the Lorelei as well. I live here in Germany. As an American Expat (with my wife being German), I'm very well versed in a lot of the German folklore in German literature -- very much like the affectation that many of us have for Shakespeare and many of the great English literary lights. Thanks for taking a read of my Siren write here!! Continued Best Wishes . . . Gary

Vladislav Raven

Date: 7/10/2016 8:45:00 PM

Hi Gary, finaly got here. An excellent write Gary. Each line just flows into the next and the reader just follows the flow. This is my cup of tes for sure. Your story unfolds before us in thic canzone. I do love these older forms and you do them so well. Gary, you bring the evil forward in a real, excellent way. The write itself drips with venom. I am so glad i dropped by. Between the poetic content, the style and the storytelling this is brilliance. A seven ans a fav....Mike.

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/11/2016 9:25:00 AM

Hello Mike!! Thanks my dear friend for dropping by and giving the "Canzone" a read. This one was a bit challenging, but well worth the effort in putting it together. I hope to do some more of these in the future. Thanks for the 7/FAV!! (I could convert this particular poem into a short story -- it's possible.) The Canzone, as I mention in my notes, is actually the precursor form to the Sonnet. Dante Alighieri and Francesco Petrarch led and popularized the usage of this form. I'm working on another Canzone now ("God's Whisper of Love.") I'm very pleased you liked this one Mike!! I will be in touch. Cheers and Best, Gary

David Smith

Date: 7/8/2016 6:37:00 AM

Evil personified. Some of our waters are also sailed with dread. Words used to effect even if scary. Good thing I have a guardian angel while I have unfinished business to complete. No other way to explain how I have escaped the jaws of death times too numerous to count. Well crafted poem. David from NZ

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/8/2016 8:48:00 AM

Hello David, Thanks for your note and your observations here. Sounds like you have seafaring experience considering that you're located in NZ. Makes entire sense. I know that from a poetic standpoint, the various dark legends of the oceans from centuries past, still tend to be with us today. Do keep your "Guardian Angel" always close by. I'm very pleased you enjoyed my write here. Cheers and Best, Gary

Alexis Y.

Date: 7/6/2016 10:51:00 AM

Hi Gary, First of all ,let me say thanks for the background info reguarding this write. This creature(Devil) is pure evil and one could sense it in every line. Excellent job! A gigantic seven:-) Alexis P.S, I've missed your writes , I haven't been around much. But I'm back now and I will visit your page more often.

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/6/2016 11:08:00 AM

Hello Alexis, Thanks so much for taking the time to drop by to read my quite evil tome here!! The Author's Notes help the reader for sure. I have not forgotten you either!! (I've been away from "PS" during different periods in this year working on prose writes for my second book, to include a novella I completed a few months ago. I try to come back to post new poems and read other's works as I can make time to do so!!The publication prep takes a lot of time.) I enjoyed doing this Canzone. I decided to do something dark this time. It was actually the first time I've done one of these formats. I plan to do more of them. Thanks so much for the Gigantic Seven!! Please read more of my poems as you wish. I will drop by too!! Best Always, Gary

Sara Kendrick

Date: 7/5/2016 7:41:00 PM

This one has good flow and rhyme..I enjoyed reading it..Of course we know it is built around myth but it is true that sometimes Satan has blue and blue jeans..Sara

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/6/2016 10:42:00 AM

Hello Sara, Thanks for your read very much!! I really appreciate your dropping by. And I certainly agree with you about Satin (or Lucifer). This most evil presence may actually appear in many situations under many different guises. Best Always, Gary

Scott Thirtyseven

Date: 7/5/2016 2:08:00 PM

Thanks for your eloquent warning. An absolute pleasure to read.

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/5/2016 5:02:00 PM

Thanks Scott!! I really glad you enjoyed this write. Beware of Sirens!! Cheers, Gary

Daver Austin

Date: 7/5/2016 11:56:00 AM

I'm not a seafaring man, but I shall heed your warning as I sail along life's bumpy path. Love, daver

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/5/2016 5:04:00 PM

Hello Daver, Thanks for your note here. Life's Bumpy Path certainly has enough surprises to keep us all busy!! Best Wishes, Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 7/5/2016 11:55:00 AM

-A "horrific" deep and great poems, dear Gary - Surrounded by such evil is fear greater than our common sense - It's hard to have hope and positive thoughts in this hell - Well done ... deserves top marks ! - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 7/6/2016 4:22:00 AM

....came ..... out of the darkness ..... it's summer :)))

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/5/2016 5:10:00 PM

Thanks Anne-Lise!! Since my last short story I sent you on Mephistopheles, I guess that's affected my latest poetry. Looks like I will veer back toward Love Themes again. We'll see!! HA!! HA!! Thanks for your read. Cheers Always, Gary

Eve Roper

Date: 7/4/2016 4:17:00 PM

Gary, this is a very good write with a story to be told behind it not only did it remind me of the Sirens of the deep , but also Medusa with her beauty .Thank you so very much for your visit and reading my poem “ We Will Drink Some Nectar Sweet”. Hugs Eve

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/5/2016 5:16:00 PM

Eve, It's really great to get caught up with you once again!! I always enjoy your poetry too. (I've been away, off and on, working on prose writes for my second book to include a novella I completed about two months ago.) I may have been subconsciously thinking a bit about Medusa as I described this particularly nasty Siren. I believe I did a poem some months back called "Medusa's Love." Another jewel of darkness!! Best Always, Gary

Dorian Petersen Potter

Date: 7/4/2016 12:32:00 PM

Hi there G!:)A very amazing n' excellent poem, you've painted here my dear friend Gary.Just outstanding! Very beautifully written in this Canzone style piece here.Wow!Just awesome! Well done G! Enjoyed it! Golden pen!A 7 +!A fav.Sending my love n' prayers to you and Ingrid as always.Hope that all is well for you both.Wishing you both a very happy 4th of July Independence Day Holiday!Just take good care of each other now.All the best to you always,G! Spill ink!:)Wishing you a very lovely week!In His light God bless you always!:)D

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/5/2016 5:27:00 PM

Hello Dear One "D" -- This was my first Canzone. I do plan to write more of these writes in the future. Thanks for the TR/FAV!! I'm very pleased you liked this particular poem. Hope your Fourth of July celebration was very nice. I will be in touch again soon. Cheers and Best, Gary

Carol Eastman

Date: 7/4/2016 10:05:00 AM

The authors note did a lot for this impressive write... An interesting piece.

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/5/2016 5:47:00 PM

Hi Carol!! It's so great hearing from you again. I'm very pleased that you liked this Canzone. The Author's Notes are kind of a trademark item in all of my writes. They are my audit trail of all of the works I write. I use them to reveal to each reader the rationale and salient aspects of each poem that I write. (I will drop by to check out your latest poems here very soon.) Cheers and Best, Gary

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 7/4/2016 8:04:00 AM

The author's note and the poem itself are absolutely amazing mein freund Gary! A fav. and a seven from me for this masterpiece of a Ganzone!

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/4/2016 8:15:00 AM

Herr Professor, Ich bedanke mich sehr fuer deinem Kommantar hier!! Das freut mich sehr!! I'm glad you liked my Canzone. I did put some thought into this one. Thanks for the FAV!! I'll some more writes like this for later around Halloween. Cheers and Best Wishes, Gary