The One That Got Away

I never got near enough to know for sure

whether she was mermaid or maiden.

All I know is that she was alluring

beyond all endurance.

But how do you woo when the difference

is not just commonplace between you,

but a matter of elements,

me on land and her at sea?

It was not to be, but should have been,

and seemed to work for a while.

We shouted love over the distance,

me on the beach and she out of reach

on a rock, combing her locks.

I think that it was love she said,

but it might have been something else.