The Swallow & the Sun
Petals glow with evening's light,
slant and dip, weighted. Come dusk,
they'll turn their heads east, await sun's return.
they'll turn their heads east, await sun's return.
Frost is near, some have grown old
and move no more.
A little boy runs past,
following swoop and swagger of the swallow,
imitating their darting and dashing in the air.
imitating their darting and dashing in the air.
The boy, unlike the swallow, stumbles.
A man strides forward, lifts him high,
dives and dips him toward flannel, checkered "nest".
A basket and plates await;
laughter and sticky fingers next.
Side by side, they leave meadow behind,
traverse shadowed trail where leaves and limbs enshrine;
one voice high; inquisitive. The other low; reassuring.
Time hesitates, the breeze, gentle,
the sun dappled and dancing beneath his feet -
and when a young man, closes his eyes, he remembers
sunflowers, swallows silhouetted against the sun,
soft flannel, a tree-lined sanctuary,
and the feel of his father's hand.
by Margaret Bednar, August 23, 2020
This is linked with the challenge "Poets and Storytellers United - Weekly Scribblings #33 - Swallow screams for dinner" and "Poets and Storytellers United - Writer's Pantry #34"
The phrase "swallow screams for dinner" is a line from C. Sandlin's poem "Telling Stories" Her amazing poem can be found HERE. I changed the line to "stumbles". I used the previous quote for the prompt but didn't really like it. :)
16 comments:
Love. That is the word.
J Cosmo is right! An event so worth recording!
Being able to have and create moments like these is one of life's treasures. A beloved memory can warm a heart when everything else around it is cold.
Beautiful and warm. That sense of sanctuary and freedom both.
Absolutely lovely. The last stanza is superb...you have captured a wonderful moment making wonderful memories.My favourite of yours.
I adore the image of the small boy swooped up in his father's arms....then, at the end, the young man remembering his father's hand. Just gorgeous.
stunning! When i heard the prompt all i could envision was the screams. You have made a loving poem out of this! *_*
Such a wonderfully descriptive recount of a young boy's childhood memory. It will be with him always
Beautiful what a warm atmosphere Who doesn't want memories like that. Also love the alliteration a lot like 'swoop and swagger of the swallow" Great
Margaret, I walked with them, such detail of the scenes and of the action. Actually, living on a farm the dad didn't have to come and mine did not. My grandfather would come get me though and we would have a very interesting car ride. Brings memories.
..
gorgeous!
This poem probably took many readers back to their own childhood living and learning with mother and father and recalling their love. So beautifully written.
Beautiful memories for him to carry with him as he journeys his tomorrows
Be safe
Much💝love
I love the bright and warmth you've capture in this poem, all the love.
oh this was beautiful. Dads are so essential in the life of everyone.
It was a magical day, wasn't it? It will be remembered for a lifetime.
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