I Do not Believe in Mermaids

Summer would soon be over I thought wryly as I walked Along the beach, bare-footed, Admiring the beauty of the sun setting Behind the far away mountains. She emerged from the sea, all wet, And hid behind a large rock. I meant her no harm as I smiled at her. Soon we were engaged in a conversation, Mainly complaining that we had a poor catch. The smell of fish did not bother me, I was a fisherman, after all, not a great one. It became a habit for us to meet at sunset, And I learned much from her about the sea. The work of a fisherman is not easy And I always had to leave her for my work When midnight beckoned as the bells rang. Autumn was still mild and I invited her For a lunch lest storms would arrive. She agreed strangely for she made it clear She was accustomed only to her type of food. One day I saw her turn pale and asked what was wrong. She needed a bath she said. I showed her the place And left her in peace. She spent two hours in a tub. So I was curious and managed to take a peep. There in the tub was a beautiful mermaid, tail and all. I staggered to my kitchen, not knowing what to do. I need not have worried as she had seen me in the tub. Suddenly I heard her leave my miserable house. Every night, rain or shine, I would search for her. She never appeared again. I shrugged my shoulders. After all mermaids, lovely or not, did not exist.