The Goslings

They look like little swans

Weaving close and far from their parents

on the water

.

They are at awkward age now

Not sure that they are to be

ducks, swans or geese

They just for the moment

Be.

.

So, they look around

And are curious

to the others of their kind

.

"Mommy, Daddy, can we go to see

And meet?"

.

"Not now, little ones

There is time enough for that."

.

"What is time?"

.

"You'll know when it happens."

.

"For the moment, little ones, pick and swallow

the blades of grass

For their brilliance is short

in the days of lengthy sun.

When chill postpones the dawn

And ice covers the water

You will know then, the meaning of time

And without even asking

Your brethren meet."

.

The goslings lower their heads

And like dutiful little soldiers

Eat

.

But, like frenzied, slient paintbrush

Time will reveal and work itself

To alter all above

and beneath

.

And change fuzzy little forms

Into the beauty and wonder

that are geese. -- PCA

.

.

.

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