Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SIX MOVEMENTS; FOR MRS. EDWARD MACDOWELL: 5. SWALLOWS by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG

First Line: THEY'RE NOT GOING TRAVELLING FOR MANY A DAY
Last Line: HE'LL BE BUT A LOVER: ANOTHER ST FRANCIS.
Subject(s): SWALLOWS;
They're not going travelling for many a day:
They don't attempt branches, they seek it in clay:

First they start holes, and then dig in hollows:
Excavate caverns to lay future swallows:

A gray, crumbling chapel, best for the landing:
Too old for man -- not too old to be standing:

A home no one visits, come west or come east,
Unless he be harmless, some hermit or priest,

Who walkes in a plot shaded green, an arena
Between pater noster and ave maria.

If he should lift eyes and see birds, the chance is:
He'll be but a lover: another St Francis.



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