The Mermaid's Catch Out on the morning’s first dawned wave Before the sea gulls feast Ocean mist and sunshine mix ‘Or the fishing nets released. A wind sent gift, a distant song Tis a fisherman’s temptation. And he to his task must not break Lest he glimpse the aberration. But oh, how coy the mermaid is Feigns she there in the knot. Once there, disturbs the net’s cast so He checks to see what’s caught. What bounty this, his expectation? For a fisherman does wish. To catch early in his obligation His net filled full of fish. Then there she was a captive myth Aboard his sea rocked vessel. A prisoner in his macram ties Pretending she to wrestle. He caught his breath at her delight She shimmered so with beauty. And forgot right off to perform His fisherman’s sworn duty. The nets were lost, the fish gone free As he unraveled her mesh cage. Strove he then by a tender touch Her distress to assuage. Who is caught? His captive queried Narrowing her sea green eyes. And the fisherman had a premonition Of his own ill timed demise. Just then the ocean heaved and rolled The boat teetered at the crest And overboard the sea then tossed The fisher’s mermaid guest. To port, to port, he set with speed His ears closed to her wails. And as the ocean sent him safe away, The skies filled up his sails. His friend the sea had intervened And brought him safe to ground. The mermaid left again to fish For a man should he be found. Back