swan swan .. .

..

I looked out for a white bird
          yon side of greenish river
          where diverging paths lead on forever

I turned left
    where one bird shewed
    its white was bruised, buffered
    awkward in its lay 
    upon a pile of bothered sticks
    its neck arched in a listless curve
    so that it seemed dead
    its head so well hidden

the nest
      a discarded sombrero I imagined
      I spoke to the bird
      which stirred
              it seemed forlorn
              silently surprised
      the stars had gone from its eyes

the dog and I walked on
      to return a little later
      the dying swan
      persisted with its melancholy
      countenance dazed, unassuming

I felt for this bird
      its sad reflection blurred and moving
            it reminded me I must never lose you

and earlier that spring
  I heard their wings flutter-rumble past my head
  trains off-track they flew together
  the noise of their affection deafening

penchant wonder my pearlescent sister
  floats quietly broad of morning light
the day I met thee in such happy ripples
  muddy umber greets greedy foxes
we tasted energy, a dragonfly of air
  midst Danté’s dyke, a devil’s punchbowl
sentience distilled but drank all sadness
  soft charm dispelled the torpid night
chemistry dredged my old grey plumage
  much swans do wonder when life began
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©edenbraytoday20.07.2023