The Mermaids' Last Gig

A flash mob formed from nowhere Word spread like fire on a moor Mermaids were in town, giving a live performance An aquatic happening The buzz was amazing, You couldn’t invent a better piece of staging Folk scrambled up the cliffs, Hung from the lip of the lighthouse The sea was the mermaids’ platform Unaccompanied singers, some said their song Sounded like whales or swans in their death esctasy The words were religious, an obscure hymn or chant Whatever, the crowd were enthralled, entranced, enchanted. And the dancing! Dolphin leaps in the air Those half-fish women were awsome. Took your breath away, their wave routine Three hours it lasted in all, without an interlude No compere either and no amplification The audience went frantic. The atmosphere was electric And nothing there to record it for posterity The tide shuddered and shook like a wet cat The sea-blown song rolled into the ears of shells We sensed this was the merfolk’s farewell tour. We hear they have no plans to sing again.