A Man Young And Old III. The Mermaid by William Butler Yeats A mermaid found a swimming lad, Picked him for her own, Pressed her body to his body, Laughed; and plunging down Forgot in cruel happiness That even lovers drown. Tags: swimminghappinessShort PoemsRate this poem: Report SPAM Reviews Post review No reviews yet. Report violation Log in or register to post comments