Till the Swallows Return

TILL THE SWALLOWS RETURN She lay on a bed of wild flowers as swallows skimmed the land, Their silent swoops and twists confusing the grass stalks. One of nature’s precision fliers showing off, but to themselves, Bravo I whispered, at least they had one spectator enraptured. A damsel fly hovered nearby, carefully deciding on its next move A decisive moment turned in that second and I was its witness. But you moved and said how lovely it was, displacing my thoughts, Your smile warmed me more than any sunny day could embrace me. Your hands pillowed your head as you stared into the cloudless sky Not noticing me as I watched you breathe and sigh in contentment. I wanted to kiss you then, but it would have been selfish to invade, To disturb you. As you allowed me to share in that moment. So many long summers ago and I still get to watch you unnoticed, Then I see you smiling and the swallows return and I’m young again. 6th May 2016.