Fisherman's Tale Poem by Dónall Dempsey

I should have known
there was something fishy going on.

You, lying there
in bed as if I were
in for a big surprise.

I could see it in your eyes
but couldn’t figure it out…just couldn’t
put my finger on it.

Your hair
like seaweed
covering and uncovering
your breasts

with stuck-on...sea shells
where your nipples ought to be.

Nice touch…nice touch.

I just knew
oh I didn’t know what it was I knew

until with great aplomb and florid gesture
you threw the blanket back

to reveal
your nether half

had been
transformed into

a mermaid’s tail
trashing about in silver scales

(well…sequins...whatever) .

I blurted out:
“Why...how...? ”

You said it was Friday
(uh huh?)
and you thought I might like
fish for supper
(Mmmm....mmmm!)

We, both glad
you had cancelled the visit
of your mother

who otherwise
might not have
approved

her daughter turning tail

and her mad laughter
in the bath

where I had plonked her.

Later, as I filleted you
out of your costumed tail

you fell

for my hook
line
&
sinker.

My heart
completely and utterly

caught.