Swans

     
     
So calm the river    
no rain since Mothers' Day,    
willow twigs in flower vases    
grandchildren with their daffodils  
combine with May and skylarks  
to say farewell to winter nights.    
Bread crumbs chased by ducklings,    
as sophisticated swans and elegance    
float by, uncoiling necks to    
take the best, leaving crusts    
to the rampant drakes,    
serene return to the middle pool    
gliding towards the mill    
its 'race smooth, glazed and dark.    
The wheel unturned for many years    
ferns and moss caught in its teeth    
slate tiles crashing to the cinder path    
warning signs hidden by brambles,    
never heeded, no longer needed,    
steps long since gone.    
Grace and dereliction each combined,    
smooth white necks and angel wings    
rotting wood and rusty nails.