The Duty of the Masthead

"The captain floated by, clinging to the broken piece of my shield, his hair glistening in the moonlight. The wet wood reflected the stars. He glanced at me once, and then began swimming for the island with wild desire in his eyes, but he too was taken by the waves. The ocean does not play favorites. Even I, in all my godly beauty and grace, found myself enveloped by the sea. The stars twinkled in farewell above me, and I stared back with conviction and strength. Before my head could be submerged, the ship caught on a rock and refused to sink any further."