she knew then
the ways of this world

she knew then
of clenched fists

she knew then
her future
her place
her face, and all the weight that it carried

she knew then
of all the doors shut

she knew
she knew
she knew

of incomparable power

of beautiful strength

of divinity and all that is sacred

of wisdom and benevolence

she knew
she knows
we know


so she straightened her crown and rose