A Sudden Impulse (Poetry)

I took the long way
home that evening
down by the river
where swans were sleeping
an owl hooted twice

The figure I saw
rose from the water
naked and shameless
I thought him a man
then light caught his scales

He turned at my gasp
his green eyes locked mine
he gave a deep laugh
I froze to the spot
awaiting my fate

He came close — I blenched
the strong smell of fish
hung round — then he touched
my arm and I felt
the sea’s fever rise ...

I woke on the bank
in the dawn’s first light
aching and alone
salt sings in my blood —
I must learn to swim