Syrinx

1. MEDITATION
This is what she loves:
to lie, humming softly,
by the river,
sunlight bathing her,
the stream
weaving her hair.
She feels each ripple
changing shape,
hears the wind
sway
reeds and leaves and grasses.
Everywhere
a deep rushing
surrounds her.
This is peace.
2. RIOT
At midday's melting core
what he most resents
is her composure.
His presence must
touch all nature, fire
it with exultation, chaos.
The nymph lying enchanted
will be disturbed —
he'll use
his classic method.
3. REED
Already beyond body,
she cannot be possessed.
She has become the image
for so long held
in her mind.
Rooted beneath water,
she bends, flows, quivers,
tuning herself
to all that breathes.
4. FLUTE
Shall he have her still?
The reed he plucks
and fashions to a flute
plays the sound of her being.
Pan hears his gusty breath
transformed into
a tremulous singing,
each note the threshold
where they meet and part.