talk to the hills
lose your extravagance
lie down in the horsemint and sage
grass is a window, look through it
choose sentences carefully, pace yourself
the story is long, see how attentive these smiling bones have become
tell them a good one
there is nothing so wonderful as to be heard to the very end
of what you needed to say
and the silence afterward
the sigh that comes up the valley
that is applause
Whistling Swans
Child brought to reeds
hear the black-billed swans, white
as April ends
your pale neck trembles
sun begins to climb
a hard light fills our dreams
its clamour smashes nest
and shell
© Bruce Rice
Regina, Saskatchewan
Treaty 4 Territory and Homeland of the Metis
Photo Credit:
Tundra Swan pair in flight. The nickname “Whistling Swan” refers to the sound of their powerful wings. Photo © Mia McPherson On the Wing Photography
Did you know ..
Swans are so much more than large waterfowl. With their majesty and grace, they capture our attention, make us catch our breath. The yellow spot below the eye helps distinguish Tundra Swans from endangered Trumpeter Swans. Both species pass through the Saskatchewan grain belt on their way to and from their nesting grounds. Tundra Swans sometimes take a rest stop in Saskatoon’s Northeast Swale.