don't think that i'll be your echo

goodbye, little narcissus,
always staring at your own reflection
feigning humility to flatter yourself
queen of subtle misdirection

you think that you're better than all of the weeds
yet you need us, for we make you feel dearer;
cradled our envy you can hide your misdeeds -
leaves you more time to gaze in the mirror.

your selfish pursuit of your hedonistic desires
leaves one with little to respect
each week you're out building new leafy empires
leaving old ones to fall to neglect.

you shimmering mirage, you unknowing illusion
beauty without does not equal beauty within
you invite all the world to share your delusions
but as any botanist knows, you're poison.

so send out your pollen and call all your bees
greet them warmly, pretend they're your friends
revel in their affections 'til you've found your release
then forsake them when it gets cold again.

just know that this poison sumac won't pine
your silence states we have nothing to discuss
i prefer the modest elegance of ivy and vines
goodbye, little narcissus.


goodbye, little narcissus,
always staring at your own reflection
feigning humility to flatter yourself
queen of subtle misdirection

you think that you're better than all of the weeds
yet you need us, for we make you seem dearer;
cradled in envy you hide your misdeeds -
leaves you more time to gaze in the mirror.

your selfish pursuit of your hedonistic desires
leaves one with little to respect
each week you're out building new leafy empires
leaving old ones to fall to neglect.

you shimmering mirage, you unknowing illusion
beauty without doesn't equal beauty within
you invite all the world to share your delusions
but as any botanist knows, you're poison.

so send out your pollen and call all your bees
greet them warmly, pretend they're your friends
revel in their affections 'til you've found your release
then forsake them when it gets cold again.

just know that this poison sumac won't pine
your silence leaves us little to discuss
and i prefer the modest elegance of ivy and vines
goodbye, little narcissus.


notes:
socrates called this plant the 'chaplet of the infernal gods,' because of its narcotic effects. An extract of the bulbs, when applied to open wounds, has produced staggering, numbness of the whole nervous system and paralysis of the heart.

the bulbs of n. poeticus (linn.), the POET'S NARCISSUS, are more dangerous than those of the daffodil, being powerfully emetic and irritant. The scent of the flowers is deleterious, if they are present in any quantity in a closed room, producing in some persons headache and even vomiting.

both courtesy of www.botanical.com