Mermaid

(to Bo)

The benevolent Poseidon bestowed upon me a gift, taking the form of an angelic mermaid, washed ashore and into my life.

Another glorious day in the Cape on the southern tip of Africa, helios radiating in azure skies. The ocean draws me. Forever enamored by her vastness, awe-inspiring power, and timeless beauty. Many mysteries await us in her darkened depths. Listen to the incessant, yet harmonic, crashing of her waves. Man endeavors to master her, futile, this attempt to conquer, respect her, and be thankful we exist in harmony.

Meditative, perched on a nearby rock, tide washing the sandy shore. A sudden surge caught slightly unawares, takes flight for dry land. Almost, single wet flipper evidence of the encounter with the cool salty water. Regrouping alongside me, safe. A close call, a small price to pay for the privilege of being one with the lifeblood of our planet.

Eyes meet, share, time to return, her to her domain, me to mine. Thank you, Poseidon.

Is it not the dream of every mermaid to be granted time to move amongst us? Wish granted, paths converge, unable to ignore the serendipitous synchrony. Once more obliged, she returns to her world, freedom fleeting. Connection established, a few more links added to the chain, and now my turn to be swept away. Will our paths cross or was this a brief, beautiful interlude?

Time flows by ‘come join me’ far from the sea. Arranged, together again, our circle, like ripples, ever-expanding. Old friends, new ones, impossible to have anticipated the extent to which links coincide, and multiply. Far too soon, carried away in a whirlwind back to her sea.

Helios, Poseidon, co-conspirators in the fate of mortals. A bond formed, never to be broken.