Karen Hall

A Mermaid's Wink Karen Hall

Stuck in a lamp--
with legs cramp,
the humidity, "horribly damp,"
makes my skin sweat--
with fallen drops of fret.

Stranded, alone,
dismal misery shone,
my lips whisper, "Moan."

My eyes cry rue--
while my heart woo--
as I reflect tonight,
"Rub my lamp right."

Worried about my lot,
"Am I a slave sought--
with rusted rot--
in this forsaken--
lamp of olden,
whence days told then?
Or would a wink steer--
a fisherman near?"

In saltwater I sink,

"A Mermaid's Wink."