When he got his legs the merman went to see,

Just what lay beyond the safety of the sea.

It took some time to walk just right,

His new fleshy legs felt warm and tight.

Until now the merman had been protected in the deep,

But in his heart loneliness began to seep.

The merman hid while he visited the town,

Marvelled in secret with his eyes big and round.

He took some clothes from a washing line,

Saw new things and expanded his mind.

It wasn’t until he tripped and fell,

Others came to see if he was well.

To the merman’s surprise the town let him in,

Let him in the tavern with a gentle grin.

He stared at the wound as strangers offered tea.

This is how bleeding leads to beauty.