When I watch myself reflected in your eyes
Why do I see an ocean, surging deep?
What is it that makes you fear to set sail?
My waters run deep – but they are not cruel.
I caress many shores – yet endlessly return
with the constant loyalty of the tides.
I am no foam-born goddess. Just a woman
who knows her light too well to hide in fear
The wave-glitter is not a stabbing searchlight
Just my mind’s joy calling you to dance with me.
Meantime, my loneliness is oceans-wide
salty with my tears of longing for a man
who can surf the rip-curl of my beating heart
and come safe to the haven of my embrace.
Why do I see you staring like a grown man
clutching waterwings in a clammy hand?
The photo is Mermaid in the Ocean, originally uploaded by snuglyteaddybear2007.
Words that sing 
You’ve extended the metaphor beautifully in this one. Just lovely! G
That is fantastic, Lirone. Some grown men may never learn to swim, I suppose.
I originally wrote an additional line:
“Why am I the only one who believes that you can swim?”
Wow! Love this one! The metaphor is just so beautiful.