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The Siren's call

I do not know from where 
the cloud came -- a chilling
din voice, knowing each name
 
a phantasmagoric display 

the cheerful crew
succumbing to primal sprite

the day, soon a blaze, of stormy
thickening night

(darkened every Sun's ray -- 

no quaking mind's sense could 
such own kept fear allay) -- 

Evil does not immediately convey

project foul intention of sudoriferous
source -- 

the ship well on its ill fated course

I could not stop her arrant
gleam.  Recalling too vividly 
my haunting dream~ such hideous
myth, ancient mariners all knew

the faint heart of man always prays 
not true -- 

with horrid motion increased her
terrifying scream, the mermaid, whatever!
absent a glimmer of Christian remorse -- 
sinfully dank and irredeemably lost continued
to press into each fevered forehead~ 
hell's UN-holy, searing Cross -- 

apparition who never held light within,

no vestige of love from first fall 
her begin; 

unseen were it not for our
own screens of fright, unheard were it not
for her victims own blight -- one's own dreadful projections
spawning her relentless demon-dance, the Siren's maddening
ball, 

I, alone, of our dozens
survived 

that damning Sea-harlot's 

soul harvesting squall --

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Kim Rodrigues

Date: 7/19/2024 9:46:00 AM

You lived to tell! … apparition who never held light within…what you hoped was not true… the cheerful crew succumbing to primal sprite…the day, soon a blaze, of stormy thickening night…lights up our imaginations!

Joe Dimino
Date: 7/19/2024 9:54:00 AM

Thank you, Kim; so pleased you were not turned off by the horror of the work. The moral, which is important -- evil only has power over us that we give it. That we accept. Blessings my friend.

Ink Empress

Date: 7/18/2024 2:07:00 PM

That opening line is again so good and then it got me hooked! I always love a poem or poetic tale about the sirens and mermaids and seafarers! Those ancient mythologies that so many did believe back in the day is now an inspiration fantasy one thats poetic to write about meaningful subjects. Such soul stirring lines throughout woven in an eloquent manner i especially loved “l unseen were it not for our own screens of fright, unheard were it not for her victims own blight” impeccable write

Joe Dimino
Date: 7/18/2024 4:05:00 PM

I think many of us first got hooked on poetry while reading the likes of Melville and Poe -- just revisiting my old fondness. Still like a tasteful spooky movie. Thank you, IE. Blessings my friend.

Silent One

Date: 7/18/2024 11:51:00 AM

Your poem begins with an intriguing uncertainty about the origin of a "cloud," which introduces a "chilling din voice" that knows each name, setting a foreboding and mysterious tone. The use of "phantasmagoric display" immediately immerses the reader in a surreal and nightmarish scene. It is a is a vivid and gripping portrayal of maritime horror, blending elements of myth, psychological terror, and existential dread. The use of rich and evocative language creates a compelling and immersive narrative that lingers in the reader's mind

Joe Dimino
Date: 7/18/2024 1:12:00 PM

Wow! Blown away and grateful for your delving analysis. Humbled. Thank you, Si; not my usual type of write I know. Blessings my friend.