I found a land-man drifting 
Through the water near my cave 
I was wondering just what it was 
The Earth above now gave 

It seemed to be a man-thing 
But I couldn't really tell 
He was looking very frightened 
As if he'd like to yell 

But they can't breathe in the water 
Only in our magic places 
And only very special men 
Have ever seen our faces 

We are the water-dwellers 
Or the Mermaids, as we're called 
I had to help the man-thing 
It seemed I was enthralled... 

Something about this stranger's face 
Drew me to his side 
I took to him my ocean home 
He took me for his bride 

When I slipped off my swimming tail 
And began to walk around - 
Inside my home I need not swim 
But walk on solid ground - 

Well, I thought it quite comical 
The happy grin he had 
Because he was in love with me
Wanted to be a Dad 

But then our little baby boy 
Could not breathe in the moisture 
We had to send him up above 
To be raised by my man's sister

He will be loved and sheltered 
He looks just like my man 
And soon his one sister will see 
He's from her brother Dan...
 

By Alice C. Bateman