Rebirth

Upon my wake, after spitting sand and water, I sat upright and turned my sights to the horizon. Brilliant golden streamers descended gracefully toward her, while she lay quivering beneath. Her complexion was cold and stoic as she refused the wind's perpetual push; she was a flat plain of murky blue and I could not tear myself away. As the sunlight warmed my back and compelled me on, she stole my strength and forced me back, reeling, onto the sand. Ne'er I had a chance nor choice as she stole my breath away once and again.

Rising to my feet, I cowered as the freezing breeze stung my shins with sand and combed me with dust. I looked upon my ship, torn and broken on the rocks, and cursed she who had wrought my viduity. She, who had widowed me, stirred callously as I kneeled and wept, wetting her broken frame and returning salt to salt. Despite her brutal hand, I stood again and turned my back to her.

She had borne to me to this place of my rebirth; I turned my back to her and left the frozen beach.

Old Crones

Standing upon her metal frame, I found a strength I had not known before; ten thousand years behind me, yet rushing up to cradle in their arms. A slight wind blew and I looked down the waterway, into the lurid green. Sickly trees hung low above the water like old crones waiting to snatch any sign of new life from the dark water below.

She sunk in the sand a bit beneath my feet, causing me to jump. She was sturdy, oh, and she would carry me far enough. Returning my eyes to the horizon, I drank in the sun's splendor as she poured herself over the tree-tops, spilling into the water below before turning golden. Despite the brilliant sun, the aged guardian trees around me felt cool and uninviting; they caused me to pause for moment. I had to wonder if I could sleep under them tonight, or would they prey upon me when the sun fell.