THROWBACK THURSDAY: MASTERPIECE #2170 (4/1/19)

/// Here Ulysses, while tied to his mast,
feels the spell which the sirens’ song cast.
Not one crew member hears;
beeswax plugged up their ears.
Deadly peril the ship hadn’t passed.

/// A wet knot can’t with ease be untied,
since it’s known most ropes shrank as they dried.
His plan, (very clever),
is later to sever
his bonds, but first all blades they hide.

/// Magic music the sirens sang lured
ships to land where sharp rocks were obscured.
“Steer our ship far from shore,
though I plead and implore.
Just ignore me and keep me secured.”

/// Being tightly bound was his best hope,
but we don’t see here very much rope.
Though attached to his ship,
he CAN move. Did he strip?
Sly Ulysses was nobody’s dope.

/// The wind blew and the salty waves rolled.
What he chose as his clothing was bold.
Not concealing his form,
it did not keep him warm.
There was shrinkage brought on by the cold.

/// Singing sirens are often portrayed
as part bird (or fish), monstrously made.
Here they’re beauties who swim,
nearly nude, up to him.
(For such scenes, Belly knew he’d get paid.)

/// It occurs to Ulysses that he
only sees what the songs MADE him see.
Could a gorgeous young choir
swim while holding a lyre?
They look TOO good; this can’t really be.