The Swans

Because everyone else is sleeping and I don't think I have ever posted this one...

We used to have a permanent onsite caravan at Sussex Inlet (south coast NSW) before I was sucked into this vortex of Bush Poetry. I have always been an observer of bird life. I love to stop and listen to nature and smell the roses (if I can find some). Sometimes I just 'be still' and try to count how many different bird songs I can hear. Once I counted nine that I could name. Not bad for a city.

The Swans
© Zondrae King 03/09

The cob and pen, majestically, came swimming from the reeds
to introduce their hatchlings to the world.
Five fluffy little signets glided close behind the pair
with paddling feet; the water round them swirled.

Was Sunday when I saw them swimming round and seeking food.
The parents, proud and haughty, took no rest.
The chicks stayed close to mother keeping warm and learning fast.
They fed a while then swam back to the nest.

The next time that I saw them there, the babies were but four.
The smallest one was missing from the flock.
I wondered what had happened, was it frozen in the night
Perhaps its death resulted from a shock.

On Friday, as I walked along the river bank again
I saw the swans, but babies numbered two.
A tear came slowly to my eye, and in my heart, a pang.
I wished I could protect them wouldn't you?

I asked some questions in the town about the missing chicks.
Could it be caused by rubbish in the bay?
It's Sea Eagles that get them. That's what all the locals think.
They snatch one little signet every day.

And now the parents swim alone across the rippling waves.
Perhaps next year the luck will go their way.
While somewhere high upon a cliff two Osprey babies watch,
and bellies full, grow stronger every day.

Australian Bush Poetry, Verse & Music Forum

REGISTRATION TO THIS FORUM REQUIRES ADMIN APPROVAL