Woman

by Natalie Angier

  Or maybe she will trade up her mother's ratty bark canoe for a mighty ship of gold and joy, with a mutinous crew of mad-haired Valkyries, cloven mermaids, and chafing nymphs. My daughter will sing herself hoarse as she rows firmly forward through squalls and calm waters, now in tune with her mates, now roaring against them. She hasn't yet found the fabled free shore, but no matter. She is always at home in the sea.

  * * *

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