one.

two times two is four, times two again is eight, times two again is sixteen; two times two times three is twelve, times two again is twenty four.

three times two is six, times three is nine; three times three times two is eighteen, three times three times three is twenty seven.

five times two is ten, times three is fifteen, times five is twenty five; five times two times two is twenty.

seven times two is fourteen, times three is twenty one.

eleven times two is twenty two.

thirteen times two is twenty six.

seventeen.

nineteen.

twenty three.

She has rested for almost a thousand years. August in her porcelainity, she was presented in reverence and piety for all to behold. On her altar, she never stirred; she never moved at all. Her immortal body was calm as polished stone and just as unchanging. Exposed to the elements, her body remained incorrupt. Caressed by millions throughout the centuries, she remained unsullied. We knew instinctively that she alone was pure; she alone was whole. So many have kissed her lips in hopes of waking her, so many in hopes of fulfilling their desire. Even in her slumber, she was great, bearing miracles around her every day. What are we to she?

Today she opened her eyes! Life springs forth from the desert surrounding her. The world is transforming around us and transforming us as well. With her first breath, the world cooled and became heavy and still around us. Her second breath warmed the air bringing a storm unlike any have seen in our lifetimes. The parched fields flooded and soaked up the rain. Her very breath commands the weather! No one can approach her now. What are we to she?

Accounts of old speak of her as the mother, a nurturing figure. But her power was so great she was feared she would destroy us all. Now she stands surveying everything around her with eyes no one can understand. All we can do is bend and supplicate to her. Her eyes do not meet ours. She sees through all. She takes another breath and the world grows still again. What are we to she?

We all witness her splendor as she takes her first steps. And as she reaches her pedestal, she parts her lips. And then, she spoke.