The True Tale of the Little Mermaid

I'll tell you, both Hans and Walt got it wrong.

Well I've never actually seen the Disney movie,

though I've been told about it often enough.

But I did read the Andersen story long ago.

All very romantic, not to mention a nice dash 

of horror – the walking on knives and all that,

and even worse, cutting my tongue out. As if!

I soon refrained from speaking, that's true. You learn

pretty quick. I mean, he was a Prince, used to

having his own way or else. No wonder I walked

tippy-toe, on eggshells, treading so gingerly. No

wonder I kept my mouth shut, avoided expressing

any actual opinions. Yes, they did try to warn me,

the family back home; but I was fifteen, you know?

Luckily for me – although at the time I didn't think so –

he never did marry me; it was all talk. I can't believe

I fell for it! But, like I said, too young to know better.

Anyway, they finally found him a real live princess.

She wasn't a local of course, and she probably thought

she could control him. Maybe she could; I don't care. 

I'm happy here now, on bluest ocean, floating light as foam.

Little Mermaid Statue
Photo by: Celesteh , Creative Commons

Written for Beyond the Ever After at 'Dark Poetry for the Cruellest Month'
Also linking to The Tuesday Platform this week at 'imaginary garden with real toads'

There are several online comparisons of the Andersen and Disney versions of the tale. I like the one at Movie Pilot.