the song that forces men

to leap overboard in squadrons

even though they see the beached skulls

--Margaret Atwood

Sailors who come near our island

find out voices sweet and irresistible.

They can't help but be enchanted by our song,

unaware that they are being lured.

Few can resist us.

Odysseus and Jason, smart men,

used wax for earplugs and music

sweeter than our own

to drown our song.

What makes our singing enchanting?

We sing the truth about your desires;

we tell you things about yourself you did not know.

If you survive our encounter, you will become wiser.