Mermaids

by Marina Montenegro

From the lifeguard stand,
the whistle blows,

warning of something spotted
swimming in the waters.

The beach goers retreat
to pull their children away.
– the hunt begins.

In the ocean,
my fin glimmers as
turquoise and violet scales
catch the summer sun’s light.

“Evil!” they shout. “Shark!”
I turn to see where they point
but I am alone in the water.

And when I’m gone,
They’ll declare the world safe
while continuing to say
mermaids do not exist.