Damn propriety,
I want you in my bed tonight.
Take off your long black skirt,
unbutton your pristine blouse
and I shall crawl inside you
like a beast possessed.
My beauty queen,
come with me and come with me,
let's soar up to the purple sky.
Oh me, oh my, oh my!
where did you learn all that?
Where is that shy butterfly
I loved once so much.
Look at that crack in the water.
It's the gateway to the monsters
at the bottom of the sea—
an open door to a giant dance hall.
The deviant God and all his servants
—some beautiful but all deformed—
all are dressed in see-through flimsy gowns.
They drink wine that's sour
and sway to the beat of a disfigured tango.
They shed their skins—
beasts, chimaera, and serpents.
Hissing, they jeer and chase us.
Honey clouds and blue skies,
rampant seas and wanton shorelines,
all embrace in an orgy of love.
In a trance, we leap into the abyss
riding on the wings of lemmings—
only you and I know the truth:
one day a lemming is going to fly.
Free at last, we press beyond the edge.
We join a massive love-in, morality is
forbidden and probity is scorned.
Part of the mosaics cycle of poems
A few words about the poem…
A Mythical Dance of Liberation in a Poetic Universe
In the enchanting tapestry of the erotica poem, "Riding on the Wings of Lemmings," a narrative unfolds that delves into the realms of liberation, rebellion, and eroticism. This essay embarks on an exploration of the mythological underpinnings within the poem, with a particular focus on the ancient Greek deities Pan and the satyrs. The protagonists, emblematic of youthful rebellion, navigate a world where desire and freedom intertwine with the mythical, creating a nuanced narrative that resonates across time.
Within the verses of the poem, a dance of liberation ensues, echoing both contemporary rebellion and the timeless struggles of mythological beings. The protagonists, portrayed as daring youths, embark on a journey that mirrors the complexities of human nature.
To unravel the depths of the narrative, a journey into the realms of Ancient Greek mythology becomes paramount, where gods and mythical beings serve as reflections of the multifaceted facets of existence.
Pan: The Dual Nature of Desire
At the heart of the poem stands Pan, the mischievous god of nature and fertility. His presence introduces an elemental force that defies societal norms, embodying the untamed desires that propel the narrative forward. The exploration of Pan's dual nature, encompassing both beauty and grotesquery, becomes a lens through which the protagonists' journey gains profound meaning.
Pan, with his goat-like features and wild demeanour, symbolizes the uninhibited forces of nature. In the poem, the protagonists are beckoned to embrace their primal instincts, mirroring Pan's untamed spirit. This narrative delves into the symbolism embedded in Pan's character, dissecting how his mythological presence enriches the tale, offering a mythic resonance to the themes of liberation and desire.
The Satyrs: Revelry and Sensual Pursuits
Accompanying Pan are the satyrs, mythical beings renowned for their revelry and sensual pursuits. These companions add a layer of complexity to the poem, representing the uninhibited pursuit of pleasure. The essay unravels the symbolism of the satyrs, exploring how they become metaphors for breaking free from societal constraints and embracing the primal instincts within.
In Greek mythology, satyrs are often depicted as half-human, half-horse beings, emphasizing the fusion of the wild and the civilized. Their hybrid nature draws parallels between their existence and the dualities faced by the protagonists in the poem. The exploration of the satyrs becomes a key element in understanding how the mythological realm intersects with the narrative of liberation.
Symbolism of Attire: Purity versus Desire
The second stanza of the poem introduces the symbolism of attire, with the female protagonist adorned in a white blouse and a long black skirt. This attire becomes respectively a battleground where purity clashes with the darker side of desire.
In Greek mythology, clothing often carries symbolic weight, representing not just the physical but also the metaphysical aspects of a character. The white blouse and the black skirt worn by the female, symbols of purity and the pursuit of gratification respectively, become a canvas upon which the battle between societal expectations and primal desires is painted.
The Deviant God: Celestial Dance of Deformity
As the poem unfolds, Pan, the deviant God, and his deformed servants enter the narrative, introducing explicit imagery of an orgy and a chase. This celestial dance serves as a metaphor for the pursuit of forbidden desires. The inclusion enhances the depth of the narrative, turning a seemingly chaotic scene into a mythic dance of liberation. The deformed servants, representing the darker aspects of human existence, engage in a chase, symbolizing the relentless pursuit of pleasure and the broader themes of liberation and rebellion.
Erotica in Ancient Greece: Unveiling Taboos
To fully grasp the nuances of the poem’s exploration of eroticism, a contextual understanding of sexuality in Ancient Greece and its liberal attitudes towards sex is necessary.
In Greek society, the pursuit of pleasure was considered a natural and integral aspect of life. The ancient Greeks celebrated the human body and the pleasures of the flesh, viewing sexual desire as a natural and divine force. The deliberate choice of explicit imagery in the poem aligns with the Greek appreciation for the sensual aspects of existence. By drawing parallels between the attitudes towards erotica in Ancient Greece and the modern narrative, the poem attempts to make a timeless exploration of human desire.
The Wings of Lemmings: A Surreal Liberation
The seemingly absurd image of riding on the wings of lemmings gains profound meaning when examined through the lens of Greek mythology. The symbolism of lemmings, traditionally associated with blind conformity and self-destruction, is reinterpreted as a metaphor for unconventional paths leading to newfound freedom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the poem transcends the boundaries of contemporary storytelling by weaving a narrative rich in mythological symbolism. The exploration of Pan, the satyrs, and the celestial dance of deformity adds layers of meaning to the themes of liberation, rebellion, and eroticism. The deliberate use of explicit imagery and the inclusion of ancient Greek elements create a tapestry of storytelling that resonates across time, inviting readers to contemplate the eternal struggle against societal norms.
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