Crunch: The Mermaid

Writing Exercise #15

We’re back with another Crunch—a 250 word writing exercise, this time inspired by

Meaghan McIsaac

’s notes about Mermay. I’m no artist but I thought I could contribute a short crunch of a story to the cause.

If you have ideas for Prompts, Crunches, Sprints, Relays, or other writing exercises in the future, please leave them in the comments! If you would like to write your own take for this exercise, please comment with a link so that I can see what you wrote and support your work, maybe even share your version with my subscribers. Please let me know if you have any thoughts, comments, or constructive criticisms as well!

Enjoy!

Crunch: Write something about a mermaid because it’s May

Sometimes I would stand at the docks in the evening, before going home, and just stare into the water.

It was a calming ritual. I loved the sea. I wanted to throw my crutches in and jump in after them and swim away.

One day, I saw something moving under the water.

It was a woman! At least—she looked like one. From her waist up she was a beautiful woman, and from the waist down she had fish like scales. At first, she stayed just beneath the waves, her eyes emerging behind the reflection of my own, and she smiled at me.

There was something in her smile that made my heart skip a beat. It was disarming. Like she was already my friend.

I smiled tentatively back, and waved.

She beckoned for me to join—calling me with her hands, as if to say, ‘Come on! Come in!’

Something in my conscience hesitated—said ‘no’.

I said to the water, “Why do you want me to come in?”

She put her hand on her throat, and shook her head, as if to say she could not speak.

I squatted down to get closer, and she came closer too.

She put her hand up close against the surface of the sea, as if she was putting her hand on glass.

I reached out to put my hand over hers—

= = =

“I am sorry Ma’am, all we could find at the docks were your sons crutches.”

(248 words)

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The Promptee Has Become The Promptor

Your feedback helps to improve my writing. I would really appreciate a comment on your thoughts on this writing exercise. Consider telling me your thoughts about:

1. Are you doing any project for Mermay? Are mermaids scary or do you find them cool?

2. Do you like the ocean?

3. What is your favorite seafood restaurant?

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An image I found on google. Credit to creator, not to me.

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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy! Come back next week for another writing exercise!

Oh, by the way—have you read my recently published Serial, SANDBOX EARTH yet? It’s done, and ready to go! Check it out at the link!

God bless!