As she explodes from the horizon
her force outshines the rays of the sun
Yesterday is strong
The world waits on Tomorrow
and Today always comes
She is the ocean’s mistress
She is born unto us
She is beautiful
And she is leaving soon
so we really need to take her picture
I waited in line 45 minutes
to see the woman with the long shiny tail
and now it’s time for her break
With my arms raised to the gods who always listen,
I ask,
“Since when do I wait for mermaids?”

There is a carnival in my neighborhood
and it is filled with water
Like an ocean with freak shows instead of pony rides
and roller coasters
The children’s screams and splashes
are causing all sorts of commotion
My best friend is riding a walrus across town –
She is dressed for work
Orcas wait in the background
The big gray whales fit in amongst the crowd
The ticket to the mermaid show feels soggy
in my hand – the ink will probably stain my pants
A voice from the gods who always listen replies,
“It is you for whom they wait.”

I am the mermaid
I am the freak
I am the show

So here we begin

My water world fantasies frequently contain
catastrophes simulating concoctions that can
only be derived by people
under the influence of menopausal tendencies

Rebecca Clites

Foto by L. K. Thayer

© 2011