no, i am not just beautiful
while straining to ship this vessel out to sea
every bow-swallowing wave engulfs me.
i guide the billows, they do not guide me.
i am solid but fluid through many faces,
many sails above me,
hard water below me,
crashing against my body, the posted iridescent mermaid.
waxing and waning below me, in only a fraction of time,
the wooden stiff movement in me, the glorious deity.
swell before me and the proud statement i make,
with my headdress and my steed,
i rarely meet defeat.
the waves thrash against my galleon.
i am a god.
i am a woman.
i am your leader who died in battle.
this battle will not **** me.
i am not just beauty perched on this prow,
i am power.
i am dancing hope.
i am parting the sea.