“Why are you sad, beautiful maiden?
You can fly, swim, and walk on land.
Your voice ceases all of life's burden.
Yet you sit on this rock, staring at sand.”

“Who are you! And why are you in the air!?”
“I am merely a vagabond, drifting in the wind just as your hair.
I exist neither here nor there, for I've lost my place.
I am now forced to wander space.

“Forget me for now, and tell me your tale.
I cannot interfere, but I may lend an ear.”
“Very strange words, but alas, my sorrow stems from a cask of ale.
That wretched floating barrel, has damned me I fear”

“What's wrong with a little ale?
Even I indulge myself now and then, with a keg or two.
I hear it might do wonders for your shiny tail.
Or do you think, it may your beauty skew?”

“So cavalier at my plight,
I followed the barrel all the way to shore.
There I gazed my love, of first sight.
He was sitting there in camp, roasting a boar.”

“I approached the beach, to tell him of my love.
But from the start, it was a love that was forbidden.
My father's royal guard, intercepted me and gave me a shove.
They dragged me from my dear, and kept me below the surface, hidden.”

I pleaded my case to Father.
He said, “Forget that nonsense.
I will have you betrothed to another.
You'll love the corals of the East China Sea, and no longer my anger incense”

“I broke down, and wept.
He tried to comfort me by saying,
“Those Asiatic mermen, are for life set.
They tattoo their tails, even though it may lead to their fatal, ailing.

The tattoos are part of their coming of age tradition.
So is there luxurious gifts of food to the bride's family.
As you know, our clan is in a tight situation.
This is the chance of lifetime, that could guarantee our safety finally.

They will come for you the day after the morn.
You should say your goodbyes.
Do not approach the beach, or my guard will sound the horn.
You know the barracuda, love the taste of human eyes.”

“And so here I am, mere hours before departure.
Unable to say goodbye to the one I long for.”
“Damn the King, I feel for your torture.
As I said however, I may not interfere. I wonder what your fate has in store?”