THE MERMAID OF KURLA

In her town, Kurla of Bombay,

She was rushed to the

Hospital,

A life squeezing pain, the

Final one after months of hurt.

As a result of which she gives birth.

Boy or girl, it was asked.

Its mermaid, said the hospital

Worker, even so her own mother,

Sirenomelia, the doctor in

His language said.

Legs joined as one, the baby

Born of prayers and hopes.

Destined to breathe maybe two more

Days. Not human to live

But in many ways, shall

Stay fresh in the memory

Of a distraught mother.