Consider How the Swan Lifts Up His Wings
Consider how the swan lifts up his wings
Above his pinion shape while gliding on
The River Thames at Windsor. Athelings
Were never quite so handsome in the dawn
Of England’s whiteless history (so full
Of scarlet slaughter). Not that this cool cob
Is innocent of mayhem. Pinnacle
Of beauty’s pyramid, this one would rob
A fellow feathered male to get a mate,
For after all he is a pinnace of
The Law of Nature. Don’t abacinate
Yourself with sentiment. He’s not a dove.
He is a loveliness of virile white.
He floats as part of blackened river’s night.