Poet's Narcissus

By skinner_jennifer

Sun, 30 Jan 2022
  • 2018 reads
14 comments
 

 

What are those conscious visions

but moments created, devoted to

thrill of weaving whispers about

fragrant flowers gently accepting

Spring.

 

Legends expressed; and I succumb

to myths reaching across time, those

enduring junctures telling of a young

hunter in wild days,

 

Narcissus is his name, devoted to

thrill of how handsome a man was he,

with such vanity that no veils of time

could sway this giddy mixture in water

reflected back he'd see,

 

even maidens eyes did not hypnotize

with their magical plumage, nothing

distracted him from his own beauty,

but to the end of his days with such

narcissism, he became a flower at

hands of Nemesis with retribution

to sit at foot of graves.

 

His scorn though has beauty, for this

maiden Persephone surrendered herself

to its perfume: filled with devotion to

creation, to be treasured in Hades's

Underworld where she found home.

 

Pixabay free image.

Background information according to

Wikipedia.

A poem about a Greek hunter Narcissus

from Boeotia. He was so handsome, that

after catching his reflection in water, fell

in love with himself. No woman could

catch his attention.

 

Nemesis noticing his vanity turned

Narcissus into a flower – hence the name.

 

Persephone Queen of the Underworld was

attracted to the flowers fragrance, and began

gathering the Narcissus before being taken by

Hades into the Underworld. The tradition goes

that graves were adorned with these flowers.

 

This poem was also inspired by Hades story

Disenchantment.

 

Pixabay free image.

 

 

 

 

Certificate U
Poem
Poems
Nature

Comments

Submitted by Turlough on

I love a bit of mythology and you have used your words to tell this story so well. I could see Narcissus' reflection in the pool as I read. 

I'll add a little background information too if I may ...

The Devil's Throat Cave in the Western Rodopi mountains in Bulgaria is said to be the place where Orpheus descended into the Underworld to bring back his wife Eurydice, but he failed to meet Hades' demands and lost her forever. And all this happened just down the road (well, 300 kms) from my house. 

A lovely poem that I really enjoyed reading.

Turlough

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I have found by reading up information on this poem, I have learnt so much. Your background information adds much needed enlightenment to my knowledge of mythology. 

I'm so glad the poem came over right for you, I was a bit worried readers wouldn't understand it, hence the background information.

It's nice of you to read and leave such a kind comment.

Many thanks.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by donignacio on

This is excellent. I also love mythology and this one got my gears turning!

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Wow! Donignacio, I couldn't wish for a better compliment.

I'm over the moon with your words. Thank you so much.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Such beautfiul flowers, and bright announces of spring, especially the daffodil. Seems a pity it is linked to the stories., though. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I agree, they are really beautiful and add some lovely colour to the season. I've learned that they have a nice fragrance, which I never knew before.

Thank you for reading my poem and appreciate you letting me know.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by mickleinapickle on

I think I caught Narcissus on TV tonight. He was waffling from the House of Commons. Enjoyed your poem. Evocative as ever.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

really glad you enjoyed reading and thank you so much for letting me know.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Jenny

What a nice poem and bit of mythology thrown in.  You tell the story very well.

Jean Day

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I'm glad the story works for you. I've always liked mythology, but it's only now that through writing poetry I'm coming to learn a lot more.

I'm grateful to you for taking the time to read and let me know.

Thank you again.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

What a story and in it what lovely names and words. 'Legends expressed - myths reaching across time'. There is a beauty in the underworld, just as there is horror in nature. I love it when plants are linked to stories (& poems!). Some of these flowers are indeed strong scented, especially the Jonquil varieties. 

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I couldn't agree with you more about the underworld and nature. Sometimes beauty can be dangerous, and misleading, just as a forest can seem so beautiful during the day, yet at night it can become a very scary place to be too.

I'm so glad you thought this poem worked, because it's a direction that's really taking my interest at the moment, also I'm learning as I read which is a bonus.

So many thanks for your kind words and for reading, it means so much.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by marandina on

It's a shame Hades hasn't seen this. I am sure he would be honoured. A beautiful, classical poem. Paul :)

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I'm sure he'll get around to reading it at some point. I expect he's very busy with other things going on.

It's strange how a story can capture the imagination, and those myths are certainly inspirational.

Appreciate your comment.

Thank you.

Jenny.