The Selkie's Sonnet

Based on legends from Scotland's Orkney Islands (Scroll down for an audio version voiced by an actual human. We've no AI wankers 'ere.)

Photo by Robyn Budlender on Unsplash

You stole my skin and took me for your wife,

You did not ask if this would be my choice,

And now I am condemned to live this life,

I plead, but you won’t listen to my voice.

You speak to me of your undying love,

Oblivious to how it’s not returned,

My skin belongs to me like hand to glove,

We must be reunited, this I’ve learned.

One day, I’ll find its hiding place and go,

Back to my selkie husband in the sea,

Away from cares and biting winds that blow,

I’ll dive down fast and deep, and I’ll be free.

How pleasant it will be to break your heart,

Since you tore me and my true love apart.

©2021, Denise Shelton. All rights reserved.

(This audio version is voiced courtesy of Alison Tennent)

Author’s Note: Wikipedia defines selkies as “mythological creatures that can shapeshift between seal and human forms by removing or putting on their seal skin.” Thanks to Alison Tennent for this beautiful reading of the poem in her authentic Scottish accent.