Swans' Tale Variation Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, The Wild Swans...



I had a myth I followed for awhile

the nettle weaving, muted tongue

to save my brothers from the spell of

once upon turned sour that turned them into

swans upon the hour in doomed perpetual flight

with barely a pinpoint haven to alight on

thus my hands, my heart were scarred

and all my dreams marred with their infinite cries for release

who released not me.

sometimes the road runs out and there's no more walking then

when all is water

save with Christ's hand

over the innundated land we used to know so well.

mary angela douglas 3 march 2020