The Mermaid's Tale

The cross-eyed mermaid raised herself out of the sea:
I am looking for my lover, she said
Looking left and right and not seeing him lying in front of her.

Here am I, murmured the young man, asleep and delirious
Floating on the flotsam, in front of her.

I see you not, she cried, looking left and right.

But he is there, whispered the wind, who knew fate and fable.

I see him not, she cried aloud with alacrity, switching her head to and fro.

I am in vain, he mumbled as his body lolled on the last vestiges of wreckage.

You must straighten your eyes, they all wished without harm to her seaweed feelings.

That can I not do, she humbly whimpered, for I did that before, and they crossed me again.

That will this one promise not to do, Poseidon advised,
I am beside yourself.

I trust no-one who lies to me twice, said she.

Who lies, came the question so loud, yet the strapped man's lips moved not.

: What of the Jewel-eye temptress in her morning frock coat. August cities that led September princes to October knells that bled through the months past appropriated Christian holy days, months past to years and you tell me part of the truths, and then again, you lover of all things, Bacchus, strange curls of smoke rising without the promise of forgiveness, and I wait, I wait in the depths, I wait and you beckon, you tell me the time has come, your ship sunk, and now you need safe harbour.  And here I am, here I am, waiting to hold you.  Did I dream you dreamed about me?

That I did.  Could you dearly steer me on safe course?  He asks, light eyes seeking light.

Why ask you me this, she cried, After all?

He promises, (Poseidon).

And this promise I take?  I took the last, in all truth, said she.

That you did, but fate fables me and not thee, again with mouth unmoving.

And yet, all I do is nothing?
 - And everything, he replies to her.

But why am I worth no thing?
 - Worthy to me thou art, again in reply.

But why not on my own course?

Look at yourself! Distends all wind, and widower and wise man, lifting her from the sea with their distain in voices  ...  look at what had you become!

And not becoming?  She asks.

Look again, you freak of nature, you half-fish half-woman, we crossed your eyes a thousand times and still you cannot see straight down.  Look at you, who people dream of, but cannot see even with their straight eyes straight out to sea.  And there you are!

Save me, cried the strapping man.

And no-one to save myself, her internal question.

You have swum this whole sea round, said Poseidon, and no-one has saved you yet.  You are unsavoury, people will not understand your sweet hybrid.

But if I take this man? she asked.

Your fate straightens eyes, Poseidon warns.

I see him, she cried as slowly he came in to view.

Be careful of what you wish for, swished the fishes on the wind.

Even if I walk on knives, like the fable foretold, vowed herself to herself, one has only one chance.

Trust him to you? whispered fishes in the wind.

What have I left now? asked she.

Fate, faith, and fidelity, that is all you are - the last wish from the sea she leaves.

What have I to lose after everything?
- Just dignity, from her solar plexus yearning.

But where can I redeem all that I am?  Here?  Is this my last port?
- As she tugs the young man to shore.

I have much to do, promises he, avowed to keeping it.  I cannot promise I can wait and to come back.

But I do not have the feet to travel, her despair and hoping.

Will you hold me in your sea and eyes? incredulously asking, not making out which water he saw.

I will bring you in and wait, promised she.

Wait, but I have many friends to tell my tales, pronounced he.  Grand and epic things must I relate.

I shall wait as tales translate my fate, said the mermaid.  Her eyes straightened.  A nominal character.

A muse he completes.

Knell, she cannot kneel with him.  The church bells call.
The lighthouse sounds the warning.