When still a child, he stole the golden
Cattle of the Sun.
He grew into a handsome youth,
With what a prattling tongue!
From him I learned the joy of words,
We charmed birds on the wing.
Inspired by Apollo’s herds, what bullcrap he could sling!
And Hermes wends his wingfoot way
Flashing a wicked grin;
The God of Thieves, who’ll steal your heart
‘Fore you can ask him in.
He’s heard me call when traffic’s stalled,
Before job interviews.
I’ve caught his glance in many a man,
And several women, too.
With light caress, he’ll grant his blessing,
Dally for a day.
He whispers love’s words, teasing —
But you know he will not stay.
And Hermes wends his wingfoot way,
Flashing a wicked grin.
Beware the God who’ll steal your heart
Ere you can ask him in.
I read somewhere that he took care
Of trav’llers, near and far.
I know that when my daddy drove,
Herm ran before our car.
And when at last, I take the road
That leads to journey’s end,
I’ll find a Guide to show the way,
And recognize my friend.
Yes, Hermes wends his wingfoot way
Flashing a wicked, wicked grin;
The God of Thieves who stole my heart
‘Fore I could ask him in.
How else explain my yearnings
For the Virgin or the Twin?
That Trismegistus trickster’s come
And copped my heart again!

[Black Lotus (Len Rosenberg) teaches workshops on Shakta (Goddess worshipping) Hinduism; also mantra meditation, Tibetan Buddhism, astrology (both Western and Vedic), and magical uses of gemstones.  He founded Mnemosynides Coven in 1988, after attaining 3rd degree from Judy Harrow.  He is partnered with Celtic reconstructionist Alexei Kondratiev.]