They Come When You’re Drowning

If you sing to the mermaids, they come when you're drowning

slender tails through water

like limbs through air

They will rush to save you when you think it might end

nimble fingers reach

and no longer are you scared

Sing high, sing low, sing whatever you know

pointy ears will perk up

and dainty bodies swim

As your lips tremble while you struggle to keep breath

thin jaws tremor

as they lift you up to their chin

Elegant and charming, nearly scary but sure,

tight fists drag you

while swooping through waves

You are dragged through the water, in and out, up and down

bright grey eyes dart to you

as you tumble your way

Seducingly fierce yet terrifically magical

strong arms pull you up

breath life to you, hearts pounding

You may have thought your last breath was a note before death

but if you sing to the mermaids

they come when you're drowning