there is a shrine

There is a shrine

crafted by mermaids-
a gold reef of crowns
and coins and jewels where
songs of martyrs
and broken hearts
serenade the collected ashes
of loved ones lost.

When a mermaid weeps,
waves build.

Sailors, tread solemnly
over these waters
cast only prayers
and spare your nets.
This watery pyre will not
yield its gifts today.