The tale begins with a mother
And daughter quietly conversing
About this topic and that.

A peculiar interruption stops
The pair’s flow of words.

“Look Mom, I’m a mermaid!”
My eldest sister announced while
Shaking her rotund rear in proximity
To my mother’s face.

She immediately scampers off
To the kitchen while we look at
Each other with astonishment,
Neither knowing what just took place.

Laugher, of course, ensues.

The self-proclaimed mermaid wanders
Back to the giggling pair. I mention
Her new status and a look of
Puzzlement appears on her face.

She professes ignorance, denying
Such a thing ever happened. There
Was no convincing her of the truth.

Even now, she believes we made
Up the whole tale. But I know
She cannot renounce her actions that
Day. For she will always be thought
Of as a mermaid to me.