Ondine's Curse

When I was researching siren myths, and I read the one about the Ondine's Curse, I was stricken with sudden inspiration to write a poem. I did not find the motivation, however, until a couple of days later. Here's what five minutes of Muse-frenching looks like. For me, anyway.

Her eyes told of the mysteries

Of deep and dark and endless seas,

With dainty lights, an angler fish--

The deadly, silent predator.

She parted then her lips to sing,

And o'er the waves and rocky shores

Her song did sound; her voice did ring--

A somber, haunting melody

Within the ocean's roar.

Many have in prose and verse

Warned of dreadful Ondine's Curse,

Which grips your heart and stills your breath

And drags you ever down to death.

Many die for want of sleep,

For fear of meeting with that deep

And shadowy realm of dark despair;

That awful pall--the Ondine's lair.

They say that when you hear her song,

Life for you will not be long;

And then will toll the final bell;

One last farewell, the Ondine's spell.

~2/14/12