Odysseus and the Sea Nymph

when I was but a beardless boy
my odyssey began
I return to my home port
a battle hardened man
my achilles heel has healed
grown stronger than before
even when at Hades’ gates
I’ll fear my death no more

for years on end without relief
my vessel weathered storms
Sirens lured me onto reefs
with their sweetly singing forms
crew deserted one by one
like rats from a sinking ship
maidens vanished into thin air
when I kissed their ruby lips

I found myself alone at last
drifting on a wine-dark sea
‘twas then I heard you singing
and you threw a line to me
once on board you proved to be
a shipmate brave and true
more precious than a golden hoard
a loyal stalwart crew

so come my love and fill your cup
let’s drink both to joy and sorrow
the wise seafarer lives today
for there may not come tomorrow

helped by gods I cleared my past
did deeds I had to do
Now at last I’m free to start
my voyaging anew
like Odysseus of old
I’ve got my sail unfurled
fearlessly I’ll chart my course
to the edges of the world

what lies ahead at journey’s end
I no longer care
a heavenly paradise
or some sea serpents’ lair
I’ve learned to lash the tiller
to keep the ship on course
to beware lest the gifts of men
should prove a Trojan horse

so come my love and fill your cup
let’s drink both to joy and sorrow
the wise seafarer lives today
for there may not come tomorrow

I weary of wine and feasting
ballads and noble words
my companion’s silence
is the best music I’ve heard
many here have learned to speak
like parrots in a cage
but few have learned to listen
few grow wise with age

together let us soon set sail
in search of oceans new
strange new islands we’ll explore
as we sail into the blue
cast off lines and take my hand
I care not where we roam
when you know your way to harbour
the whole world is your home

so come my love and fill your cup
let’s drink both to joy and sorrow
the wise seafarer lives today
for there may not come tomorrow