when i find the loch ness monster first

i will beg her not to mistake their bared teeth for smiles. i will tell her that they
will cheer at the sight of her naked body but she mustn't mistake that for care.
i will warn her that the water will marble the hunger in their eyes and weapons
in their hands. she will ask me why hunger is a bad thing. she has never met
anyone who wants to touch her so badly. she will ask me if being consumed is
warmer than being alone. and when night falls she will swim up to the surface
and see the moon for the last time. i will explain that metal is cold and
unforgiving on skin. i will say that they want to rip her apart, display her flesh
and bone around the world, lock her away for their own amusement. she will
tell me there are worse fates than death. i will tell her it isn't death i am
fearing--it's the stealing that will hurt most. she will laugh and say she has
nothing more than this body for them to take. she will ask me what use is it
being alive if she is never held. i will learn there is no such thing as crying
underwater as i taste the salt and her hope will finally start to make sense.
i will tell her monster means beautiful one. the creature who has never wept will ask
me to tell her about weapons with wonder in her eyes. so i will tell her about
the men who are coming and she will go to them anyway. i will ask the moon
for forgiveness as my lungs fill with water.

- s.o.