The Swan

A Poem

Photo by Simon Lohmann on Unsplash

look across the pond —
there, right there —
and marvel at the wonder
that is a swan at rest

but watch yourself,
for that bird can be a beast
with no warning sound
if you dare come too close

isn’t it strange
how we mistake
something fierce
for something gentle
with only a moment’s glance?

watch that glory
take flight for new lands
far from this sad setting
where the dead linger long after

stand still,
do not threaten,
and just marvel
at that beauty in motion

isn’t it so sad
to see such a bird fall
at the hands of a hunter
when it’s a season for killing
with no end in sight?

take a moment,
breathe in and out,
and remember happier days
with no time for blood and strife