The Mermaid

illustrated by alyssa dalto

stairwell of darkness,

ribbons of candy,

footsteps in the lion’s den,

the lonely hour of men.

tiptoed vodka steps,

the bottle that overpowers,

stare into the sin,

of weeping men’s cower.

cigars in fancy cars,

leaving models behind,

broken legs shiver,

heels, a nightly treat.

perfumed letters,

sinking further,

where do sailors go,

if not stagnant water.

the fleeting innocence,

the depths of doubt,

post-modern morals,

playing chess now.

unannounced,

don’t mind the mess,

buzzkill of peace,

ill-timed house arrest.

19.01.2026