Sea

Fascinated by the dark waters—what lies beneath the harried waves? Cold clings with liquid silk and seaweed; her tail impresses, her flippant lips drown sailors. They smile for the camera, teeth white as their sails. It’s more of a scream—they thought the red-haired beast was a dream. They should not have let her flop onto the deck, nor have admired her ample chest. Their curiosity was hers for the taking. …and she took them, one by one, for a ride. They forgot what that saying meant. It was a ride no one comes back from. Sometimes the crimson terror would throw a few corpses onto a ship to heighten the terror. Her flipper sounded like a glass heel tapping on the planks—the thunderous point of stilettos, slicing like glass through the sailor’s veins. Bloodlust of the sea, sensuous; murderous; cacophonous. 

What their eyes saw, their hands could not touch. Their souls at the bottom of Davy Jones Locker; their flesh, fodder of a frenzy of unfriendly fish with vainglorious locks, deeply-defined curves and thrashing tails. Dead men tell no tales, though legends give fair warning.

Someone escaped or heard the dreadful sound from afar; perhaps saw something they imagined to be far-fetched; and as a ghost ship was found with the unholy stench of an unwashed Delilah, the foghorn of shipmates passed on their deeply disturbing stories.

Just an innocent Ariel at play in his sea-blue eyes. Oh yes, she lost her voice…a voice that could not carry a carrion-tune. A caricature with no compass - men lose their way when they prattle fairy tales.

4/10/2023
Contest: Writing Challenge - 'S' Words
Sponsor:Constance LaFrance
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

May Avatar
April 13, 2023 at 8:34 AM
Great write Kim, Congrats on your win
Rodrigues Avatar
April 13, 2023 at 9:32 AM
Thank you, Joe! Appreciate it!
Goldsmith Avatar
April 12, 2023 at 10:26 AM
Congratulations on your win. What a story/write. I really enjoyed it. Have a blessed day writing away.............
Rodrigues Avatar
April 13, 2023 at 9:32 AM
Thank you so much, Paula! <3 Blessings!
La France Avatar
April 12, 2023 at 10:20 AM
Kim, thank you so much for sharing your poem in my Writing Challenge congratulations !
Rodrigues Avatar
April 13, 2023 at 9:31 AM
Thank you, Constance! <3
Andresen Avatar
April 12, 2023 at 10:13 AM
- Congratulations on your win in the contest, Kim :) - hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
April 13, 2023 at 9:31 AM
Hug! Thank you, my friend!
Babcock Avatar
April 11, 2023 at 7:28 PM
Enjoyed this well written piece with a wonderful story. Good luck in the contest. love phyl
Rodrigues Avatar
April 11, 2023 at 7:49 PM
Thanks so much, Phyl!
Poet Avatar
April 11, 2023 at 11:07 AM
Kim, this is a magnificent piece of writing and an excellent entry for the contest. I found both the story and the hidden message to be entertaining. Good luck
Rodrigues Avatar
April 11, 2023 at 5:03 PM
Thanks so much, my friend!
Baker Avatar
April 11, 2023 at 9:12 AM
Nice "hook" for a short story, Kim, and fine entry for the contest as well. I enjoyed the tale and the intertwined message. A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Rodrigues Avatar
April 11, 2023 at 9:38 AM
Thank you, Bill! I appreciate it!
Andresen Avatar
April 10, 2023 at 7:34 AM
- Although it is fascinating ... one must have great respect for the sea ... a wonderful piece of writing, Kim - Best wishes in the contest, Kim :) - hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
April 10, 2023 at 12:23 PM
Thank you, Anne-Lise! Hugs ~
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace