Oh mermaid by the fountains edge
There shaded by delinquent hedge,
With naked soul to wind exposed
Remains aloof yet rests composed.
I ponder o’er your endless plight
Forever left just out of sight.
I climb the stair to lonely bed
Through halls with bleak and empty stead.
Raw courage will importance play
Command each night to greet the day.
Abide with calm and peaceful mind
Within the span that time will bind.
This single vigil I must keep
Until my heart slips into sleep
Reminds me of that maid too bare
Whose marble eyes do vacant stare
Into the world to never see
Some ending of futility.
Claire V. Bogdanos 