Give me a church made entirely of salt.
-- The Speaker (Lines 1-2)

Importance: The opening lines of the poem offer a perplexing image if taken literally. However, the title situates the poem in the sea, and so these lines portray the sea with reverence, depicting it as a sacred space. Salt plays an important role in various spiritual beliefs and practices around the world.

I ask for the grace of a new freckle on my cheek
-- The Speaker (Lines 6-8)

Importance: Freckles can occur due to a combination of genetics and sun exposure. When the speaker asks for "the grace / of a new freckle," she asks for her time spent outside in nature to leave a mark on her body. This unique perspective (describing a freckle within the context of divine favor) reveals an idiosyncratic appreciation for nature.

the lift of blue and my mother’s soapy skin to greet me.
-- The Speaker (Lines 8-10)

Importance: The color blue can symbolize myriad emotions and ideas...