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