Charleston Merman

We were vacationing in the state of
palm trees and seashore in September's
mild loveliness.
Me, a sexagenarian widow,
hobbled by arthritis in my knees.
As my family enjoyed the surf,
I sat contented on a creaking 
wooden pier,
taking in the salted breeze tossing
my gray hair.

I heard the seawater beneath me
ripple, then a splash,
and a masculine, "Hello,"
there in the mossy colored brine was he.
His long brunette hair flecked with
sun kissed gold,
it was entwined with tiny conch shells.
His build of brawn and burnished skin,
eyes of an amber hue.
Handsome in oceanic resplendence-
I then realized he was a merman!

As his iridescent lower body of sapphire
scales and magnificent fins swirled in
the foaming waters,
I thought what would such a youthful
merman want with an elderly woman
like me,
when there were younger women
bringing their charms to the sea?
He spoke again, and I was mesmerized,
"You were once a maiden,
a strong swimmer of the waves,"
he mysteriously smiled,
"King Poseidon remembers his
people of the deep,
although you are aged and infirm,
your soul is of the aqueous realm,
and know this message I give to
you today,
while you sleep neath the late summer
moonlight tonight,
we merpeople love you for your
caring of our vast oceans and 
their life."

He reached out his strong hand
momentarily,
and placed a perfect pink pearl
into my outstretched hand.
His eyes so captivating that I
never wanted to stop gazing
into them.
As he softly bid me a farewell,
his fins slapped the waters,
as waiting dolphins leapt in happy unison,
and he disappeared beyond the edge
of the pier.
Charleston Merman,
I'll never forget you,
a sweet nautical memory,
as the perfect  pink pearl is displayed on
white velvet on my nightstand. ~
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
April 29, 2024 at 5:38 AM
Ahh!! What a romantic tale you have told in poetic form. Thanks for sharing your talent with us and for dropping by my page. Sara K
Elliott Avatar
April 30, 2024 at 2:17 PM
Thank you kindly, Sara. I really enjoyed writing it. I hope you have a pleasant late April evening of creativity. xox
Buhagiar Avatar
April 25, 2024 at 11:35 PM
Brilliantly constructed fantasy story. Loved its unfolding tale.
Elliott Avatar
April 27, 2024 at 7:35 AM
Thank you so much, Victor, poetry friend!
Kerr Avatar
April 23, 2024 at 12:49 PM
Regina, Words fail me as I gaze in awe at this whirlwind of glittering imagery underpinned and indeed nourished to its emotive denouement by a very striking, visual narrative. I have been emboldened by your fortitude and stoic conviction. Your spirit will never wane Your comments on my “Clued“ piece I cherish always Howard
Elliott Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 4:58 AM
A most beauteous and thoughtful comment, Howard. Thank you so much. Have a grand creative day full of inspiration, my good poetry friend. ~
One Avatar
April 23, 2024 at 11:25 AM
This enchanting poem transports the reader into a realm of magical realism, where the mundane beauty of a seaside vacation transforms into a profound encounter with the mystical. Through the eyes of a sexagenarian widow, we are invited to experience a moment of unexpected wonder and connection with the natural world.
Elliott Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 4:55 AM
Thank you so much, Silent One, for your thoughtful and kind comment on my poem. May you have a grand and inspirational day. All the best to you. ~
Romios Avatar
April 23, 2024 at 10:58 AM
Wow,Regina, an incredibly, masterful write and a FAV. I admire your talent plus Imaginative skills. I liked the part where he gave you a pink pearl. It is a delight to read a piece like this because I can relate to it, Finally, you are in no way elderly, in spirit or body. Yes, many of us have pain walking but you are not 80! Stay young hearted. I am and old enough to be your others ! Hope this is a POTD, Love you, Pangie Xx, The title is a true delight and original
Elliott Avatar
April 23, 2024 at 11:22 AM
My deepest gratitude, dear friend Pangie, for loving this poem, and the very thoughtful and supportive FAV! We are going to Charleston, SC this coming Sept 1 for a week in a rental home, but my imagination has already been there, lol, couldn't wait to write. Thank you so very much, sweet friend! xoxx
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