Water Babies

The little children gathered and delighted in the sight The sparkling of the river, like tumbling jewels dancing bright The mermaids in the waterfall did sing ‘Come children one and all’ The children laughed and danced, for the sirens song they did fall. To the hearts of the little ones stripping down to their underwear No shame no false pride their innocent souls laid bare They all jumped into the water; kicked and splashed it was such fun Then the mermaids stole the laughter, from each and every one. The mermaid with the green hair had enticed them all to play Not one of the little children is now with us on this day Just like the Pied Piper who called them with his lilting flute They heard the voice of the mermaids, but little children are not astute. Where were the parents who should watch over children at play? Why was no one there when the mermaids enticed their prey? The fairy of the Water World was shocked by what she saw Her wrath she vents on the mermaids, the crows around did caw The carrion picked the eyes out and made nests out of green hair But still the children were gone; no one had taken heed of their prayer The fairy of the water world shed tears but then thought maybe Her tears touched the innocent souls, each transformed to a water baby The water babies are now happy; they can play in water all day But alas for their poor parents it is on their knees they pray. There one can still hear the laughter the joy the fun Also the sound of the waterfall as the terror had begun. © 9/04/2013 Collaboration Mandy Tams and H J Horsman