"Siren Song" by Hugo Williams
I phone from time to time, to see if she’s
Changed the music on her answerphone. 'Tell me in two words,' goes the recording, 'what you were going to tell in a thousand.' I peer into that thought, like peering out To sea at night, hearing the sound of waves Breaking on rocks, knowing she is there, Listening, waiting for me to speak Once in a while she'll pick up the phone And her voice sings to me out of the past The hair on the back of my neck stands up As I catch her smell for a second |
Use of Poetic Devices and Theme
The poem “Siren Song” by Hugo Williams is simple, yet enthralling. It is about a man who calls this woman from his past, but he reaches her voicemail. Even hearing her voice over the phone and listening to her words again delights him. Those few words bring back memories and emotions, and he just takes a second to think about them. Sometimes, she'll answer, and when she does, this feeling washes over him so strongly that the hair on the back of his neck stands up. Her voice is his siren song; it captivates him. I like Williams' style and the way he expresses his story. It draws the reader in, making them want more. I especially like the way he describes the woman's voice and compares it to the sea. Williams’ poem is not long and does not have extensive vocabulary, but it is deep. Even in its simplicity, it explores the idea of love.
Williams is able to get these deep ideas across using figurative language and poetic devices. “Siren Song” includes similes, rhythm, stanzas, and enjambment. The poem is divided into only three stanzas. The second stanza is completely made up of similes. Williams is comparing the ocean and waves to the moment he hears her voice. He writes, “I peer into that thought, like peering out / To sea at night, hearing the sound of the waves / Breaking on rocks, knowing she is there / Listening, waiting for me to speak”. The ocean and her voice are both unpredictable, beautiful, and powerful. Williams picked the perfect things to compare. Between these lines, there are examples of enjambment. If he hadn't used enjambment, “Siren Song” would not have been his style. This creates a distinct voice that draws the reader in. Williams uses these traits to write his poem, “Siren Song”.
Williams is able to get these deep ideas across using figurative language and poetic devices. “Siren Song” includes similes, rhythm, stanzas, and enjambment. The poem is divided into only three stanzas. The second stanza is completely made up of similes. Williams is comparing the ocean and waves to the moment he hears her voice. He writes, “I peer into that thought, like peering out / To sea at night, hearing the sound of the waves / Breaking on rocks, knowing she is there / Listening, waiting for me to speak”. The ocean and her voice are both unpredictable, beautiful, and powerful. Williams picked the perfect things to compare. Between these lines, there are examples of enjambment. If he hadn't used enjambment, “Siren Song” would not have been his style. This creates a distinct voice that draws the reader in. Williams uses these traits to write his poem, “Siren Song”.