The Storyletter cross-posted a post from The Problematic Pen

Winston MaloneJan 14 · The Storyletter

Dear Reader,

This week I'm sharing a poem called "The Mermaid" by J.M. Elliott, creator of The Problematic Pen. She writes historical fiction and essays critiquing modern culture.

If you like "The Mermaid", consider leaving a like and comment to show your support. Subscribe to The Problematic Pen, and check out her novel, Of Wind and Wolves, if you're interested in ancient historical settings and characters. I highly recommend it!

Also, thank you for being a subscriber to The Storyletter, and for supporting independent writers. We strive to bring you quality fiction and news about the industry every week. Have a great weekend! ~ WM

The Mermaid

Poem by J.M Elliott

Jan 14

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By Warwick Goble, from The book of fairy poetry, 1920, Public domain

Down by the seashore there lives a fair maid,
Only emerging at midnight and noon, 
Quietly singing her own serenade,
Combing her locks by the light of the moon. 

She lives all alone because that is her wish; 
Tangling her hair up with seaweed and pearls; 
She is not either a femme nor a fish; 
Certainly not just a commonplace girl!

She doesn’t walk as do those upon land;			
Neither with fish will she swim in the sea;	
Rather she’s happiest combing the strand;			
Perfectly suited between them to be…	

Basking on rocks in the spray she appears;	
Plunging through waters without a regret;		
Warning herself of her greatest of fears:			
Never be caught in some fisherman’s net!		

Halfway beneath the mysterious sea;			
Halfway above the most changeable tide;		
Half in a waking mind, half in a dream;			
Fully she lives in two worlds at one time.

I found this poem in and old notebook. Is it embarrassing? Sure. Am I publishing it anyway? Absolutely!