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Storm-Stolen by Elena Sunyoung Kang

Selkie wife watches

the storm-stolen sea,

from her window above

the kitchen table,

hand-clasped tea,

ocean memories, selkie men,

wind-altered currents,

moon-dragged tides. Shed skin,

naked dancing around

full moon’s water reflection.

Skin stolen,

sea-storm eyes locked

in the house,

half-human children cry.

Good mother, she

rocks the babe

to the beat of the tide.

Human husband,

commands his selkie bride.

Hides her seal skin,

locks the chest,

key chained to his neck.

Selkie wife, safe

from hurricanes, closes

eyes in the storm,

craving currents

so she can be swept up,

away.

Bio

Elena Sunyoung Kang grew up in the historic riverfront town of Washington, Missouri. She received a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in writing from Maryville University. She resides near St. Louis with her dog, and can often be found hiking or enjoying all the city has to offer. Her work has received an honorable mention in Bacopa Literary Review. Find her on Instagram @elena.sunyoug

Author's note

The inspiration for the poem is the idea that the legend of the selkie can be a metaphor for women who may feel trapped by the societal expectations placed on wives and mothers to sacrifice important parts of themselves.