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