calypso

The sea is full of monsters and first among them is the sea.

Oh yes, she has her favorites--Odysseus and Gan Ning, Aruj and Edward, Jack, Davy. They are all witty; they are all empty. She fills them with herself, rimes their heartstrings with salt and teaches them how to wantwantwant like the pounding of the tides. She comes, and goes, loves and does not, for she is the sea and moves by her own secret currents. None may command her.

They try. They all say, at this point or that, fit here in my palm and fly to my hand; lick the blood and spars of ships from your teeth and cast your eyes downward, quiet your rage and quiet your hunger--there is too much in you, I do not like it; be warm and small and shallow for me, be there for me, be for me.

But her laughter is the sound of waves breaking and the hurricane-cracking of masts, and she tells them all no.

(they do not like her answer)