mermaid

He sets his hook
Wanting her to find
It irresistible.
But she shies away
Thinking it too perfect
Too contrived.
Circling
She watches as he tries to tempt her
More
By moving slowly
Languidly as if he doesn’t care
But she knows as she approaches
He will yank it back
Too soon
To score
By snagging her
Helplessly in his net.
She is swift and swims
Away
Shimmering in the ever changing
Dappled liquid light.
Always out of reach
Leaving only
A trail of minute bubbles
In her path
Reluctant to relinquish
Her shining scales
Landed on his desert beach.