Wan Under Wolnan

sceaduhelma gesceapu scridan
cwóman wan under wolnan

    Beowulf ll

642 -51

it happens every time

              

waters swell

        recede

swans - absurd and sentimental-
slow down winter water’s mirk
splashed   flecked
black-legged spirals of light with well-oiled sails
like the mind’s intended space they find new water

through the pulp of twilight
i saw them
a sprinkling of salt

the white had made them