Siren Song
Margaret Atwood
From Selected Poems: 1965-1975
© 1998 Houghtin-Miflin, used by permission
[Image: "The Siren" by John William Waterhouse]

This is the one song everyone
would like to learn: the song
that is irresistible:

the song that forces men
to leap overboard in squadrons
even though they see beached skulls

the song nobody knows
because anyone who had heard it
is dead, and the others can't remember.
Shall I tell you the secret
and if I do, will you get me
out of this bird suit?
I don't enjoy it here
squatting on this island
looking picturesque and mythical
with these two feathery maniacs,
I don't enjoy singing
this trio, fatal and valuable.

I will tell the secret to you,
to you, only to you.
Come closer. This song

is a cry for help: Help me!
Only you, only you can,
you are unique

at last. Alas
it is a boring song
but it works every time.

Margaret Eleanor Atwood, OC (born November 18, 1939) is a Canadian writer. A prolific poet, novelist, literary critic, feminist and political activist, she has received national and international recognition for her writing. The poetry from her 18 poetry collections often includes mythic references translated into exquisite modern language. She is also the author of fiction such as The Handmaid's Tale (1985) ; Cat's Eye (1988); The Robber Bride (1993); Alias Grace (1996); The Blind Assassin (2000); Oryx and Crake (2003); The Penelopiad (2005). Find out more about Margaret Atwood at her website owtoad.com.

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