by Barry Vitcov.
I’d like to believe in mermaids
any myth actually
comforting thoughts and desires
requires imagination
and a willingness to forgive
rationality and lust
When you emerged from the sea
shimmering with hope and possibility
my willingness washed away
like temporary sand castles
absorbed back into former memories
Which aren’t really what they once were
body surfing and tumbling
swallowing salty water
and feeling untangled
among mermaids and other myths