Mermaid Song

　　by Kim Addonizio

　　 Damp-haired from the bath， you drape yourself

　　 upside down across the sofa， reading，

　　 one hand idly sunk into a bowl

　　 of crackers， goldfish with smiles stamped on.

　　 I think they are growing gills， swimming

　　 up the sweet air to reach you. Small girl，

　　 my slim miracle， they multiply.

　　 In the black hours when I lie sleepless，

　　 near drowning， dread-heavy， your face

　　 is the bright lure I look for， love's hook

　　 piercing me， hauling me cleanly up