So many miles of coastline,
   of rocky coves and outcrops.
 Where none can see a straight line,
   and water sloshes and slops.

Oh, might one miss a mermaid
    hidden among the inlets,
 so snug in stone palisade -
    a lair of shells and torn nets?

If you say that you've seen one,
    I'll not call you a faker.
 I rather think it's great fun
    to flirt with claims, wiseacre.