Who lies here at the bottom of the sea,

lost but not forgotten?

The ties of seaweed knotting her hair

as she clasps the child in her arms

for all eternity.

What country did she leave for this

over-crowded, listing, pirate-boat?

What exile has forced her to walk the plank

and place her weary feet upon the leaking wooden boards

with only her child and hope for company?

Slippery, drowned hope

No rope or raft to hold her

No lifeboat, no warm hand

No embrace but her child and the empty sea

forever and ever