Louise Glück




Circe’s Power

I never turned anyone into a pig.
Some people are pigs; I make them 
look like pigs. 

I'm sick of your world 
that lets the outside disguise the inside. 

Your men weren't bad men; 
undisciplined life 
did that to them. As pigs, 

under the care of
me and my ladies, they 
sweetened right up. 

Then I reversed the spell, 
showing you my goodness 
as well as my power. I saw 

we could be happy here, 
as men and women are 
when their needs are simple. In the same breath, 

I foresaw your departure, 
your men with my help braving 
the crying and pounding sea. You think 

a few tears upset me? My friend, 
every sorceress is 
a pragmatist at heart; nobody 
sees essence who can't 
face limitation. If I wanted only to hold you 

I could hold you prisoner.