the swallow

once over the water flew
most graciously a swallow
and i, reflected poet, knew
my image sure to follow

through shivers, rims and water waves
my friend and i we dangled
to fly is what my spirit craves
embodied it is strangled

how gaily lept the bird along
the sighs of wind and shrieked
what might have been a worship song
but thus it wasn't beaked

sad the swallow sat himself
a swallow not by choice
estranged i re-crept in myself
and there i found my voice!

i sang out loud and up he flew
and danced of grace aware
and, i reflected singer, knew
my voice was mine to share