The Siren Song

When I was in the 7th grade, my social studies teacher read Homer’s “Odyssey” to our class over the course of a semester. That sprawling chronicle was a gift to my 13-year-old self, and my more-than-four-decades self remains enthralled with all the characters of the Greek imagination.

For me, the “Odyssey’s” most fearful critters were the Sirens. These were hybrid creatures – part bird, part beautiful woman – living on a small island. From their rocky outcrop they sang the most captivating songs, songs that passing sailors could not resist.

Like the proverbial moth to a flame, the sailors would scuttle their ships on the island reefs, and the Sirens would descend upon the poor mariners and devour them. The “Siren Song” has been a warning ever since, a warning to stay the course, and to beware the destruction that can hide behind charm and beauty.

There are endless applications…