London, Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Sea

One afternoon, I started walking, and didn’t stop until I reached Copenhagen.

London was too big. It stifles, chokes like a pillow.

Copenhagen seemed the place for a new start. I liked sea air, and the story of the little mermaid.

But it seems London wasn’t my problem.

I lean on the harbour wall, missing my mother tongue and imagining the smell of chips.

The mermaid statue shows her human, but naked, staring wistfully out to sea, and I think yes actually I understand you.

Once a mermaid, always a mermaid. Wherever you may be, half of you won’t belong.