A Mermaid Poem by Ellen Rose Guilaran

My mother Venus was made out of foams of sea
A beauty revered, an incarnation of love
I was an embarrassment among mermaids
As not only did I know how to swim but to tricks to deceive men

As I was castrated, ousted
To the shore of land
One where I constantly have to find my own space
I did not feel safe, I felt even more lonely

Truth here I tell you, I know the tricks
To men and women
To steal their hearts and never give it back
But that's not who I am, I don't want to hurt anyone

It is not easy to convince myself, as I know
I was one of the creatures of the night
I depraved the love I know I deserve
I depraved everyone the love I know they deserve