Diving in deep
Escaping the estuary
She leaned
On the littoral
Wiping off persona
with the towel of horizon
In the sacred sands

Reflection of her
Pulsating in
Salinity of the Sea
Entangled raven hair-locks
Murmuring moist lips
Bosom hooked in shells
And scaled turquoise tail

Words of wisdom
Learned in the
Kingdom of Marines
Safe from sharks
Familiar fins and gills
Shall not apply
Beyond the shore

‘Twas dreadfully tough
Quitting the quilt
Of waves
Her coronet, but,
is in the reign of mountains
where “awakening” echoes
In rhythm of her soul

Picked up convoluted conch
in nimble fingers
Caressing it against
Bronze cheeks
Bugling it loud
Told the sunrise
Surreal choice

Heavens are chanting
To bestow upon
the truest wish
to stand on her feet
Pave purpose of life
And she, now, no longer
would be a Mermaid

© Juhi Gupte