My poem

                    Narcissus


                        by


                  Nina Kallen


When Narcissus looks at the shallow pool,
What does he see?  His own winsome image?
Or passed, to past: Rivergod father, cruel,
Gurgling laughter rippling from his visage?


"Daddy's only joking!"  Cephissus forced
His son beneath the cold water, holding
Him down.  Narcissus broke away.  Air coursed
Through his lungs.  He gasped, crying, consoling


Himself that someday he could leave.  A man,
Or god, full-grown, follows his own path.  When
He says goodbye, he will be free.  He can
Live life on land, make his own choices, then.


Now he is grown, safe, dry, independent.
But at edge of water, land has ended.