I traveled east of Delos and descended to the sea
Where splashed a gorgeous mermaid who desired to play with me

We frolicked for a bit, until her lustful plan was clear
But I'm a faithful, married bard who holds his marriage dear

Descending then beneath the blue, I took a bite of pear
And swam down like the fishes do, but taking my own air

I met a giant octopus, who hugged me rather hard
At first I thought her overjoyed to meet a well-dressed bard

But when I felt her tentacles constrict around my throat
I realized that living, lack of air does not promote

I drew my songblessed rapier, and jabbed and slashed at her
She bit me then and squirted ink, which made my vision blur

I cleared my head, then jabbed and slashed, and finally she stilled
It shocked me that a mollusk could be fierce, and so strong-willed

I calmed myself and journeyed down, then came upon an eel
And rudely biting me, it seemed to want me for its meal

Although I understood it's plight, for I get hungry too
I'm disinclined to give my all for hungry eels to chew

It then began to dawn on me, these creatures of the deep
Lacked culture and decorum, which we bards aspire to keep

So sharpening my senses to be ready for attack
I ventured to move bravely forth instead of turning back

And peeking past some coral fronds, I spied a tiger shark
It's long sharp teeth were snowy white, it's eyes were dead and dark

It seemed unwise to vie with so formidable a foe
So ducking quickly down, I chose another way to go

I crept along, engaging only octopus and eel
Relying on both vigilance, and keenness of cold steel

The waving fronds of coral bring a soothing sense of peace
As do the weaving schools of fish, like flocks of silvered geese

I found a shrine to Neraeos then, a tribute to his reign
And moved about it reverently, a guest in his domain

I wandered then inside the hold of some long-sunken ship
And through the rents in its great hull watched beams of pale light slip

This underwater garden had a splendour all its own
And I would not have seen it had I feared the deep unknown

We bards are well-known for our pluck, our rapier wit and flair
But nonetheless I started craving light, and open air

I then ascended to the place where sand and water meet
And back to Delos wetly walked to rest my weary feet

I dream some nights of coral fronds and schools of silver fish
And though Lord Neraeos' Garden calls, it's for dry land I wish

Penned by my hand on the 22nd of Mayan, in the year 511 AF.