Lady's Day (In Her Own Right)

Sea gulls, over the salt waves crying,
Spy the battle far below:
Sea gulls echo the shrieks of the dying,
Start away from the crash of the blow.

Breakers, on the white sands smashing,
Mimic the sword work on the land:
Maces crushing, swift swords slashing,
Shields cracking on every hand.

Shore breeze, eager to set kites flying,
Spreads the stench of death instead,
Caresses the bodies in tangles lying,
Tousles the hair on the severed head.

Shield maidens, on white horses riding,
Come for the spirits of the brave,
But one of their own, on the field striding,
Defies the summons of the grave.

Caroline, in sunlight standing,
Wakens every heart to pride,
By her example our best demanding,
A June Crown Princess, but an August bride.

—Calafia,
2004