You could have been a caryatid before
you learned to swim. Water gave you
a perfect getaway.
No longer shouldering it, 

you’ve made a throne
of past struggles.  All freedom
comes at a price—twice
losing your head, even your right arm 

you never said you were willing
to give away. When you go
to China to play ambassador, your drowning
sisters may try to lift your island 

rock for themselves. Your
burden will be theirs.