A young lad set out to sea,
his life's journey just started,
looking forward with glee
from the time he first departed.
He traveled east to west,
from sunrise to sunset.
Mounted in the crow's nest;
for any sighting he'd get.
His eyes would skim the waters
while scanning for just a trace,
focused as he sought her
with fish tail and human face.
This went on year after year.
Each day he thought that it might,
and this brought him some cheer,
be the one his mermaid sight.
A seaman advanced in age,
he never - the - less sailed on.
One day after a storm did rage;
soon after the ship was gone.
Now adrift upon the tide,
clinging to a piece of the bow,
into darkness he slides
wondering what happens now.
Feeling lips pressed on his own
he awakens upon sand;
knowing he's not alone
on what he deems an island.
Searching around his eyes see,
as in the sea did fade,
or at least seemed to be,
the backside of a mermaid.
Looking out over the ocean,
not knowing what now to do;
for he had no notion
'til a ship came into view.
Since rescue from that isle,
though many think him amiss,
he cannot help but smile
when recalling mermaid's kiss.
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