Narcissus’ Nemesis
is his mar-
bled skin — as stretched
across his impeccable six-
pack abdomen,
softly chiseled, rock-hard, but
alas too perfect cause
on Instagram
such precision is merely just
a starting point
to gather confirmation of
followers and hearts.
He needs to ink
a dragon “Carpe Diem” or at least
a borrowed tribal wisdom
to scar his flesh
and mark the surface
of his splendid back
but woe, behold
his marble skin cannot be pierced
by any normal needle
at the main-street dingy
tattoo-parlour,
and now he rests
alone, unscarred
even little Echo leaves
and tries
to find herself a propre biker
Tinder-date
who might be fat but
is suitable and dragonheart-
tattooed
Narcissus
This is for Anmol at dVerse on rewriting myths in a modern context.
—-
April 23, 2019
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Narcissus would fit in quite well in the selfie era
Or maybe not… too perfect doesn’t really work.
I enjoyed this poem, Björn! I love the thought of Narcissus on Instagram, with his softly-chiselled, rock-hard abdomen and the huge number of followers – and he can’t get a girl because he hasn’t got a dragon heart tattoo.
Maybe he has fear of needles.
I do! My husband and daughter both have tattoos and I do like looking at them. But I wouldn’t let a tattooist near me, I couldn’t stand the pain and, knowing my skin, I’d probably get an infection!
Damn! Narcissus’ only flaw is that he is flawless — there’s definitely something to be gleaned from it. I really liked this take on the Instagram world and all the anguish that it creates — I will be sharing this link with some in my social circle. Ha!
Very well penned, Bjorn! The humour (when found) makes it such a great read. 🙂
I had so much fun writing this…
Bwahahahaha ❤️ This is absolutely brilliant in its humor, wit and clever wordplay, Bjorn! 😀 I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it! Bravo! ❤️
Deftly told and incisive commentary on human nature in all of its beauty and ugliness, which definitions fit which to be via the eye of the beholder.
I enjoyed this. 🙂 It’s modern, funny, and as the prompt said, has some truth in it.
Incredible retelling of the myth. Love the notion that actual perfection can be unattractive. Time does its job though–huge muscles turn to lard, and broken sinews become arthritic.
Perhaps he would consider a branding? Not quite as beautiful, but just as everlasting.. beauty being fleeting…..
Your clever poem makes Narcissus’ predicament laughable!
Wonderful and a joy tp read!,Björn!
Fatuous as ever. He doesn’t change.
I hope not. Fatuousity has its merits.
If you say so 🙂
lolz
Funny–too perfect for the Insta crowd. I’m sure he could add something with the right program. But Jane is right.
“He needs to ink
a dragon ‘Carpe Diem’ or at least
a borrowed tribal wisdom
to scar his flesh”
“even little Echo leaves
and tries
to find herself a proper biker”
You are so funny. 🙂
Fame is fleeting these days. (K)
Tough break for contemporary Narccey, eh? I enjoyed your modern take on the sculpted prettyboy.