The Little Mermaid

Beth Ford

I tore my tail in two for you, I sewed up the ruined shreds, I stuffed them into fishnet stockings for you, And cut off the bloody loose threads.

I climbed up to the sandy shore for you, My new legs just bleeding stumps, It was like walking on sharp knives for you, My toes merely grisly lumps.

I climbed up the palace stairs for you, Your look of disgust greeted me at the door, My dedication wasn’t enough for you, You wanted “something more”.

And so I danced at the wedding for you, My horrid legs burning in pain, I watched her do what I couldn’t for you, It was worse than watching the sea drain.

I would never be good enough for you, So the sea witch gave me a choice, Spare that perfect life for you, Or she’d get back my tail and voice.

The stories all say I died for you,

Became nothing more than sea foam,

But the knife was not thrown to the sea for you,

Instead I drove it home. 190