I was given Leviathan, Renee Emerson (March 2026)

 

I was given Leviathan

A gold ring through
his nose and a rope
to lead him by.

A fitting gift for a daughter
born after ten buried
in a collapsed house. 

I weave lilies in the scales,
polish teeth to pearl,
sleep in the reptile curl

of his tail.

I teach Leviathan
to speak softly, as I do.
I am always afraid.

Now no one will come
close to me

walking along the sea
in the early morning
or descending dark.