Lake Rodney Sailor Song

Upon the shore he is a man fettered. Concern colors her eyes, she paddles silently closer, so if he looks forward he might be met with a small compassion against the lonely scale of the lake. Her lips part to make room for his name, but it is Machi’s knowing question which follows.

Nothing is said. Her eyelids fall. Under the surface of this winter lake Eset’s heels are grabbed, dragging her into the murk of old moments.

Drown, the water begs, so real in her ear that she’s certain Machi would have heard it too.

“My father’s,” she speaks into existence, and he’s lost all power. Her eyes flutter open; her legs are released. Her quiet gaze reaches for Machi.  “He is the reason I cannot stay attached to anyone. Why I distrusted you.”

Her steps draw forward. Three years he’s lived inside her like a secret. “Holding onto him– I will lose everything. Everyone. I don’t want to live for him anymore.”

There is no pleading in the gentle tones. No suggestion. Only a moment’s honesty, and in shivering nakedness she comes to the fellahin's side. Companionship; it is all Eset can offer Machiavelli. Companionship, and hope.