The Song of the Siren

I was a woman who had made a dangerous journey and achieved the impossible.

What a thrilling moment when we stepped on English soil.

Clarissa was laughing as Jeremy carried her over the shingle. I stood beside them inhaling the fresh sea air ... looking towards the land and my home.

Clarissa said: “Are you going to be my mother now?”

My voice was choked with emotion as I said: “Yes, Clarissa, I’m going to be your mother.”

Then she looked up at Jeremy. “You are going to be my father?” She took his hand and held it against her cheek.

He stood there without response and she looked at him.

“Are you? Are you?”

A moment’s silence, with the gulls swooping over the water, screeching their mocking cries.

“Are you?” repeated Clarissa impatiently.

He said slowly: “It will depend on what Damaris says.”

“Then,” said Clarissa triumphantly, “it’s all right. I know.”

He put out his arms suddenly and held us. The three of us stood there.

Clarissa broke the silence. “It’s nice coming home,” she said.