Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HAVEN OF THE SWALLOWS, by LILLIAN PARCEL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HAVEN OF THE SWALLOWS, by                    
First Line: The padres walk again the trodden ground
Last Line: The padre souls will bless the swallow band.
Subject(s): San Juan Capistrano, California; Swallows


The padres walk again the trodden ground
In mission gardens when the March wind calls
The Capistrano swallows homeward bound
To nest once more among the crumbling walls.
The bells are tolling down the sunrise hour,
The phantom brown-robed monks are chanting mass,
The wind returns to wave a golden flower
That lines the pebbled path through scented grass.
Perhaps Saint Francis of old Assisi comes
To witness this eventful day each year;
The wild birds waited for his offered crumbs
And loved the gentle heart that banished fear.
As long as time ordains these walls to stand
The padre souls will bless the swallow band.





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