She who conceals things,

My name is laden with many

unspoken but aching desires.

The unraveling of things I weave:

whose hands have done the work

here, building my love to withstand

the cold I feel as you brood,

back turned, staring out to sea

Have you started to become me?

Meanings that escape understanding,

I sense in your expression

The wavering heart

of the ocean,

A seven-year storm. I know

Far away from me, years later,

I know you will still be thinking of me.

My mother’s voice carries far

As she searches, though

I could not cry out. I fight

With everything I have.

To be released seems impossible;

I am fighting Death each day,

Even though I am only a girl, and

Dreamt of wide blue skies

The goddess weeps all winter

I am gone. She bargained with hell;

Through the betrayal, her weakness,

I am lost. My captor drapes me in jewels.

Taken below where it’s warm, I’m unsure,

Crowned and unable to enjoy myself

I once dreamt of gems like these,

To see how they’d gleam beneath the sun.

It’s not often, but sometimes

When I’m by the river

Washing my mistress’ clothes,

I dream I might glide away

On swift currents, away from here,

Escape from this desert;

To where my womb is mine,

I determine to whom I’m given.

One day I might escape, but

Today and tomorrow demand so much.

I curse God with each breath.

My arms are tired and my back aches,

Woman is barely human, even to God.

Totally alone, is there a place I may go,

Where I pray for shelter, and maybe

Another angel to guide me

Somewhere safer?

Yet I must return, this angel says,

My reward is in the next life; he warns

Cruelty may look like love in a desert.

Nymphs sang at our wedding

do you remember the cave

entrance, with trembling

voice and hands,

eyes and promises blazing

like lightning: this love

you give could build cities

And in the dark

I held you at my

heart hesitating,

heavy-limbed, falling

into sleep. The dream

you dare, the dream

you still might lose.

My windows open onto the sea.

There’s always sunlight

That floods in, or moon

And the armor in the corner

Glimmers and gleams,

When I remember to dust it off

A thousand bonfires dot the night.

Flaming on shields arrayed, the tide of men

Hidden by a giant, hollow horse.

A dubious prize coveted,

Rings loud when struck with a spear.

The altar I prepare is heavy with offerings.