Today, there was no close congregation of the swans in the lake

In days past, when passing - I always noticed how close they take

But on this day, they all were scattered quite far and wide ...

Perhaps, asserting their independence, showing their pride



All looking quite muddied, and not at all their usual so clean white

Perhaps, a result of all of the heavy rain, and lack of things bright

Like - the sun, which tends to bleach the feathers white as it dries them

Something we haven't seen much of lately, hiding behind rain ...



- Tristram



(c) Christopher W. Thomas

11:50am Tuesday, June 16th, 1998