The Siren's Song

She wants freedom to touch her She wants symbols to wear Sailors at dawn Bear no response As if they’re not there She repairs to the ceiling As the walls tumble down Underfed, under bed But she’s good for now ‘I look for you But not for long; I call to you’ — The siren’s song She plans for the wedding No one there but the gown Save a place For her eager face Guests depart the town She smiles in cathedrals Vacancy to her prayer Up all night, teeming white Her powdered purse on the stairs ‘I sing to you, With whom I belong. I swim to you’ — The siren’s song 1996, 2022