Νάρκισσος

“Know thyself”, says an Oracle most true,
But there is an exception to every rule.

The son of Cephisus and Liriope he was,
Let us follow this lad’s life course.
His life would be long , his mother was told,
If he never knew himself , or so the story goes.

This youth, he was most fair of face
Lithe, slender and full of grace.
Features oh-so-fine, long, flowing hair
Disdained the love of maidens fair.

The haughty boy’s pride however, came before a fall
Nemesis paid heed to the lovelorn maidens’ calls.
As he passed a babbling brook most clear
Looked down and was entranced by a face so dear.

He cried out to this vision so fair,
Proclaiming his love then and there.
The epitome of beauty, a bewitching young face
Made his heart beat at a rather alarming pace.

However, from the water his love would not arise
Paid no heed to his lovelorn cries
So he languished beside the stream that held his love
Hoping and praying for some help from above.

He wasted away, struck down by a broken heart.
As his final breath from his body did depart,
Realized that the fair lad that he had beheld
Was the reflection of none other than himself.

The Gods turned him into a pristine, white flower
To remind us that narcissism isn’t a virtue by far.

Doctor Witch