The Swift

The Swift

 

I held her in my hand

When she had no strength to fly;

In her dilated pupils

Were reflections of the sky.

Her claws were clenched and helpless;

Her wings were folded up.

She made no show of struggle,

Secure within my grip.

 

I held her in my hand;

She had rested overnight,

And when my fingers opened

She turned towards the light.

She went off in an upward arc -

I knew she lived to fly -

And soon a flock of others

Had joined her in the sky.

 

I held you in my arms

When you had no strength to fight;

In your dilated pupils

Were the echoes of the night.

Your hands were clenched and helpless

And tears etched your face;

You showed no inclination

For leaving my embrace.

 

I held you in my arms.

When time was right, I let

My hold on you grow tender,

And I knew you would forget.

I only ask, my swift one,

Now you have shaken free:

With sky-winds in your pinions,

You'll fly once over me.

 

Words by Giles Watson. Music by Kathryn Wheeler, 2013.

Done