swallows

beneath

between

betwixt

the gables of the old hotel

the swallows

swirled

with such speed

and vigour

that I sat

transfixed

wondering

fearful

if one or another

might collide

they didn't

no

unlike us sophisticated humans

who demonstrate

our superiority

by speed

showing off to partners

no

the swallows

were catching flies

darting as close to me

as they felt safe

perhaps it was gaming

or courtship or more

but they put

human arrogance

to shame

on a balmy

Mayo night

where the sunset

lit the sky

defined the bog

cast shadows

on the great

and wondrous bulk

of Nephin Mountain

that I have grown up with

like the swallows

under its wondrous might

beside a rumbling stream

fly catching

and catching flies





Poetry by Peter Humphreys
Read 1040 times
Written on 2014-08-03 at 22:06

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normalil
Magnificent observation, and even better conclusion. Loved it Peter.
2014-10-22


NicholasG
We do make a rather big deal of ourselves, considering we can't fly, and at best don't step on our partners foot doing a slow waltz. I am always mesmerized by wonderful, three dimensional dance of large multiples of birds. I've sat for hours watching them swoop and dive without so much as a ruffled feather. Thank you for bringing this back to life in my minds eye Peter.
All the best, Nick
2014-08-05


NicholasG
We do make a rather big deal of ourselves, considering we can't fly, and at best don't step on our partners foot doing a slow waltz. I am always mesmerized by wonderful, three dimensional dance of large multiples of birds. I've sat for hours watching them swoop and dive without so much as a ruffled feather. Thank you for bringing this back to life in my minds eye Peter.
All the best, Nick
2014-08-05


ttius
Great poem. I love watching swallows on the fields with horses and around my garden.
2014-08-05


Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
You have magic in your words Peter, I love how tranquil they make me feel - we have swallows here too - they are amazing along with the bats - that just have this unique way of flying, when I see them, i know that heaven is close by

Elle x
2014-08-04



This is lovely and it speaks so elegantly of the skill and grace of the swallows and yes it does put u to shame:)
2014-08-03