Gabriella N Snow

Below the surface, a silence between love.
Seaweed sways between the salty liquid.
It remains peaceful below, but above
The seagulls call, their bodies drifted
apart.

Sun rays stream through the murkiest of waters,
A slice of light reflects from the plankton.
I am among others of the merman’s daughters,
of the seas, we act like phantoms
a mirage in the water.

‘Hold your tongue’ father once told us.
‘We must not speak to the land dwellers’.
He was protective, for he had prayed enough
over the women of the land, sellers
of souls through lust.

Father passed quickly, but before he did
‘Stay true to the waters child, only
they will protect you and keep you hid.
Seek not the land in the times you are lonely.
Oceans love is safe’.

And so, I took to the land. As one defiantly does.
To spy upon the land and its form.
A young dweller proclaimed love
from the shore. Oh father, what was there to warn
us from?

I surfaced and became betrothed ,
After a time he revealed his true
intentions. Eyes filled with lust, he disrobed,
would not take no for an answer, I knew
Father was right.

I took back to the waters, he followed
enraged and dangerous. ‘You are my
property, you cannot run’ he bellowed.
A silent prayer I sent and sighed.
Oceans eyes answered.

Seconds passed and my old love wrapped
around my waist, swirling my hair.
Shimmering scales transformed me back,
outstretched arms, we make quite a pair.
I shall never leave again.

Enemies yells grow stronger, angrier
Ocean guides me to his feet, kicking above
I pull him under, too much to longer
for him to cuss and yell. My only love
helped defend my honour.

He lies among the seaweed, swaying
as a reminder of the past.
Salty water purifies his soul, repaying
the evil he once cast
over my ocean cold heart.

I spend the days watching the sun
slice through the waters. A calm quiet breeze
above. No more betrothed, I am done
exploring the land. I keep to the seas
protecting my honour and love.