The Name the Sea Heard

I weave the dawn, unweave the night, A throne stays cold, a lamp stays bright. I called myself Nobody, slipped from the cave, Outwitted the giant, stole men from the grave. But pride climbed my throat as our black oars flew: “Remember the king who has conquered you.” The sea heard my name. The sky turned to stone. I traded safe passage for glory alone. Your name crossed the water; your shadow came first. Each rumor a blessing, each silence a curse. You were Nobody - why did you need a crown? Why wake the deep god and call thunder down? I wanted the ages to carry my flame. I wanted my husband, not ashes of fame. Between us, the years like an ocean have grown - One boast made a legend, and left love alone. I count every footstep that dies at the door, Smile for the wolves who keep asking for more. By daylight I promise, by moonlight undo; My hands guard the kingdom, my heart waits for you. No bard knows the war in a room without spears, The siege of one woman against twenty years. Poseidon kept watch from the crest of each wave, He shattered my fleet and took all that I gave. I slept beside splendor, refused every throne; No island could soften the pull of my home. Oh, Penelope, if my voice reaches land, Know pride was the chain, not the salt on my hands. Come home without titles. I come without men. Come home without stories. Then know me again. No god, no great monster, no singer can see How hard it is choosing the one we should be. You were Nobody - now lay the hero down. Let love be the harbor, not rumor, not crown. I give you the name that the storm could not drown. Then enter in silence; do not wake the town. Between us, the years, but the doorway is known - The king lost the ocean. The man made it home. I weave no more. I boast no more. One flame. One shore.