Comber

A mermaid is combing her hair
and watching the curl of the foam
while waves throw salt spray in the air.

She hides in her water-edged lair
tucked deep among surf-shattered stones,
this mermaid who's combing her hair

to summon a storm. Though it's fair
outside, lightning runs through her comb
while waves throw salt spray in the air.

A hurricane wind that can tear
the canvas and break a man's bones
comes up while she's combing her hair

and wails like a soul in despair
around the cold rocks of her home
while waves throw salt spray in the air.

But never think she doesn't care
that sailors are drowning alone—
the mermaid keeps combing her hair,
her tears are salt spray in the air.

--for Read Write Poem's NaPoWriMo prompt #6: image and pattern
Collection available! Knocking from Inside