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Breathless

The preacher sent the townspeople home 
just as eventide set in
each one carried a crimped piece of paper
the instructions were easily read
lock your doors and windows, remain inside until dawn
she will rise tonight

He tore the paper into tiny bits as he walked toward the beach
an old woman grabbed his hand
as he pulled away she placed a sea shell in his palm revealing a pearlescent round object
he was astonished as it dissolved with the touch of his finger and
the shell closed by itself

He walked closer to the shore
a townsman yelled from a window
fear her, leave young man leave before the feral creature comes forth
he paid no attention his eyes focused on the sky and the water
he licked his lips, the salty tang of the sea awakened his senses
he hadn’t forgotten her attempts to plumb his innermost emotions
he yearned to see her
he was willing to give up his life, his career, his family
he wanted only her
he felt the same thrum as the night she claimed him as her mate
he knew his destiny was tied with hers

She reached up through the icy water
without hesitation, he took her hand 
following her into the depths of the ocean that was meant for no man
their love served as his guide
he took no notice as every breath of air escaped from his lungs
he saw nothing but her beauty he felt nothing but her love

the women said he drowned
men claimed he left in fear 
some say that on starry nights
if you are silent you can hear
their laughter howling in the waves
             03/22/2021
Written for Eight Word Bardenesque Challenge Poetry Contest
Sponsored by John Hamilton

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