Slowly, slowly, with all her woes,
She entered the water on her toes
Silently, silently, white as a sheet,
She entered the water and covered her feet.
Glimmering, shimmering, in the breeze,
She entered the water up to her knees.
And while the boy on the beach kneels and begs,
She entered the water and covered her legs.
Slowly, slowly, without any haste,
She entered the water up to her waist.
Slowly she walked to the far off wreck,
And the water rose to her lily-white neck.
She shouted – "You know what I said!"
And the water rose, and covered her head.
Poor girl, she’s dead.

©    Michael J. Mason 1970