I forgot to say, I'm having a purge on hyphens at the mo. So please let me
know if any there that shouldn't be or not there that should be in this or
other po's
thanks,
Colin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Colin dewar" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2004 12:30 PM
Subject: newsub/Queen's Bird
> The Queen's Bird
>
> They say that a swan in anger
> can break a man's arm with its wing.
> Watch pond visitors withdraw
> when one swan comes. But I'd back
> the human every time. Just consider
> a man in his twenties with deft feet
> and palms hardened by axe and shovel
> against neck, so like a jug handle,
> in snowy circumference a hand's length.
>
> Three chicks bob to the shore, bread bound
> till they topple in foam, wet wing fronds and stand,
> ovals of down only, cloud-grey,
> a mouthful each for the tod fox
> that lingers in willows, and watches.
> Their father is swift on still water.
> Through wing's arc I see air and shore beyond,
> his neck like a serpent, the chisel bill and head
> held proudly, the breast that none dares touch
> for any swan is the queen's bird.
>
> My four year old son fed cygnets
> with fingers so soft that the flaked bread dropped
> and so bent to urge the crumbs further.
> The curve of his skull approached as the chicks pecked.
> I heard the aggressive hiss, saw plumes spread,
> a hard cob, threatening my boy.
>
>
> Colin
>
>
> PS Does anyone know more about the law in question and/or think I should
say
> more about it as a foot note?
>
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