Nineteen and the Mermaids

Found on the stormed beach
by a walker out on his own
after a Christmas lunch for one
was a sand letter
and three pairs of shoes
which were in truth
unbefitting for terrain
such as this

he read with interest
the sweeping italics
two or three times
written with strong fingers
he noted keenly
no wonder he was alone
with his parents
and these passions

he fought the merry wind
to the sly waters edge
peered at the horizon
chewed his bottom lip
tried to light a cigarette
with hotel matches
that seemed to laugh
and sizzle at him

he peeled off his brogues
his hole in one socks
loosened his tie
pushed his hand through hair
and ran into the grey surf
for his life and his joy
there's now a quartet of delirium
swimming with the mermaids

fifteen more appear
ambling the dunes
singing carols and curses
fed on turkey and time
drunk on apricot brandy
primed and ready basted
to contribute to the wonder
of the shoe shop on the beach