Sentence:  Traditionally, <WSD>fairmaids</WSD> transform mediocrity into genius. Goodison's female persona presents a facade of hesitancy; she appears to negate her powers: "It is difficult at first, learning to breathe below water / to convert the lungs meant only for inhalation on earth" 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A mermaid from a blackwater creek or river.