Mermaid

No one ever sleeps on night watch
Men are alert and at their post
Scanning seas with baited breath
Looking here and there in hopes
That from their crowsnest perch they may
By some kind thought from the divine
Catch a glimpse of a mermaid
And of beauty so sublime
That men have jumped to icy doom,
Without a thought of what may come,
Just to have a chance to see
Her by light of moon or sun.
But she is swift and glides away
She’s shy and she will disappear
At first mention of her name,
At first sign that crew is near.