“Okay,” Poliphilos said to himself.

“If we’re ever putting on a show, I need showgirls.”

“And I know just the place.”

Poliphilos made his way to the eastern waterfront, booked passage on a ship, and crossed the sea to where it had all begun. he took shelter under the trees for the night, knowing it was the best way to attract the desired attention.

Later that night, familiar thoughts entered his dreams.

He woke up and ventured into the nearby forest where he heard the familiar splashing, laughing, and the strumming of instruments.

Nymphs!

Some wove garlands of flowers, while others played musical instruments that produced melodies so sweet they seemed to be the very essence of joy. A third group, a trio of graceful beings, danced in a circle in front of them, and these were the ones that especially caught my eye.

Now, Poliphilos had had his share of nymphs and the like, such as the ones during those seven years on that island, long ago.

Ethereal and graceful? Sure.

Embodying the spirit of the forest? You bet.

Able to drive grown men mad if needed? Absolutely!

When they spotted him they welcomed me and engaged me in their typical flattery.

A normal person would eventually lose their mind and become one with the forest, never to be seen again. Poliphilos, however, was immune to all this due to a few… prolonged exposures in his life.

Still, there was a mutual sense of wonder and admiration for the natural surroundings that couldn’t be denied.

When they realized they weren’t going to turn him into one of their cranky satyrs, they gave up and continued what they were earlier preparing for: the midsummer ritual. This was an important celebration of the natural world’s beauty and the divine forces that animate it.

Poliphilos followed them to a grove where an altar decorated with flowers and precious stones stood. The air was filled with the fragrance of blossoms.

The nymphs formed a circle around the altar, their movements synchronized with an unspoken rhythm. They began to sing a hymn in an ancient language. The hymn spoke of the eternal dance of life and the unity of all creation, themes that echoed the deepest yearnings of his heart.

As the ritual progressed, Poliphilos felt a transformation taking place within him. The worries and concerns of his earthly existence seemed to melt away, replaced by a profound sense of peace and connectedness.

After the ritual concluded, the leading lady led him to a spot where they could converse more intimately. Poliphilos told her about his plan and she spoke of the journey that lay ahead of him.

“It’ll be filled with trials and challenges but also with moments of sublime revelation, Poliphilos”.

Her words gave him strength and courage, and he vowed to pursue his quest with renewed determination.

As the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the enchanted landscape, the ladies bid Poliphilos farewell. He did receive a parting gift—a small, intricately carved amulet that they said would protect him on his journey.

“We’ll be there when the time comes,” they promised. “And here’s your gift from us”. Immediately he heard the first notes.

“Oooooooh! This’ll be great!”

“Messenger!”, he called.

In a swoosh, the messenger appeared.

“Note this down: ’Your soul’s a wild ride, a fantasy….’”

And this, dear reader, is how the sirens were found for “Landscape Fantasy” that you can hear in the background of the song.

*

Listen to the song in here.