the boat kicks and bucks,
barely restrained by the rudder.
the sharp smell of salt assails us
until our very hearts smart and bleed
and even then the blood's tang
is seasoned with its taste.

the Sea rages at our intrusion,
raising Her thunderous voice against us,
drowning out our desperate protests and pleas for mercy.

"you are nothing!" She roars.
"you mean nothing here!"

the Lady is beautiful,
but
She is also cruel.

and yet always,
when the wounds have healed,
when our bruises have faded,
we return again to Her courts.

for when she is tranquil,
standing and smiling
beside Her consort the Sky,
no words can touch Their majesty,
and Their wonder is almost to great to behold.
i have not the arrogance to even try
to place my meager words at Their feet.

the sun and moon crown Them,
the very stars adorn Them,
and Their depths call out to our depths,
"return."
who are we to deny Them?

for the Lady is cruel,
but
She is also beautiful.