there are swan-goddesses, swan-gods,
swan-princesses, swan-maidens, swan-wives, and
silkies.

maidens transform into their counter-roles
w/ assistance
of skin/feathers
w/ elements
the setting/rising of the sun.

captured or courted into becoming
lover or wife,
having once been habitats of the water: immortal world, apart from humans.

in the end what is made will be lost—the boy will watch the last currents
in his mother’s wake at dawn.