The Mermaid

the caravel groans and repels
the torrent as it floods the bow
the cannons, more than useless now
are tossed about between the swells

the sails are satin for their graves
a lightning strikes the broken mast
his face outlined in pale blue cast
rain drenched, the curls had lost their waves

so beautiful, he cannot drown!
what can she do? will Neptune know?
no matter, she will not let go
and as the caravel goes down

she cradles him, unconscious, hurt
and carries him towards the shore
she knows not what she has in store
nor the insignia on his shirt

he's on the beach, a final shove
the angry waves hiss and complain
and now back home, how to explain
to Neptune: Daddy, I'm in love!