(A figurehead is a sculpture – often female – at the head of a ship.)

About two years ago, a figurehead appeared across our humble local creek. I’ve thought to preserve her in a photograph on an almost-daily basis. Finally, on Sunday, the opportune moment arrived for me to visit The Lady of the Creek.

Not one great ship has known this course

Though, perhaps, a great sailor has waded here

Not one great ship has parted these waves

Though, perhaps, a great fisherman has waited here

Not one great knife has sculpted its figurehead

Though, perhaps, a great artist has crafted its lady.

(Yet, she dissolves into an ordinary branch when I approach…)