How swiftly you came
with the late spring rain
like the swallow lithe and quick
flew within these walls of brick
that glowed dust-red and bone
by grace, from place unknown. 

For a fleeting moment
I longed to trap that swallow
pin her against the glass
feel the flutter of her heart
beating until eternity – 
to see her beauty close at hand. 

But her beauty lies in this:
to be free
a destiny unknown
free of me. 

With sticks and string
she weaved a delicate structure
among the rafters
where my spirit would soar. 

And now the darkness quicksens
you leave once more
in faith that I 
will one day fly. 
So know that you will be
my sacred memory. 

June 10, 1998