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Bartholomew
It's been a while since a Merman revealed himself to me. I used to make only men, starting with a curly-headed, portly fellow named Ron, who was not a Merman - rather, a passed-out dude with a spent beer can in hand. Soph told me his name was Ron. Then, the little old chinese man with a book, then one Merman on South Padre Island - but for years, the Mermaids have had me.
They don't usually give a name. Sometimes, an age. (V: "Oh look, she's a teenager!") Sometimes the Mermaids will give a feeling. Playfulness, loneliness, something unnameable of great depth.. but they're always congenial, save for one who was obviously giving me trouble. Willingly, though, for I'd not have seen her otherwise.
I set out to see which Mermaid might be around and up for embodiment, and to my surprise, this Merman insisted. I kept trying for a Mermaid, but he would not have it. Finally I just flat said to him, "Dude, was there ever even a time when....? I could so make that happen for you."
Almost immediately I became embarrassed at my clumsy misstep, for his manners were impeccable and his demeanor above such suggestions.. I asked him, "Where would you like this arm?" He held it outstretched, as if ready to cradle a companion. I paused... and do believe we both smiled.
He gave a name: Bartholomew.
Bartholomew
It's been a while since a Merman revealed himself to me. I used to make only men, starting with a curly-headed, portly fellow named Ron, who was not a Merman - rather, a passed-out dude with a spent beer can in hand. Soph told me his name was Ron. Then, the little old chinese man with a book, then one Merman on South Padre Island - but for years, the Mermaids have had me.
They don't usually give a name. Sometimes, an age. (V: "Oh look, she's a teenager!") Sometimes the Mermaids will give a feeling. Playfulness, loneliness, something unnameable of great depth.. but they're always congenial, save for one who was obviously giving me trouble. Willingly, though, for I'd not have seen her otherwise.
I set out to see which Mermaid might be around and up for embodiment, and to my surprise, this Merman insisted. I kept trying for a Mermaid, but he would not have it. Finally I just flat said to him, "Dude, was there ever even a time when....? I could so make that happen for you."
Almost immediately I became embarrassed at my clumsy misstep, for his manners were impeccable and his demeanor above such suggestions.. I asked him, "Where would you like this arm?" He held it outstretched, as if ready to cradle a companion. I paused... and do believe we both smiled.
He gave a name: Bartholomew.