Swans have long necks
though not as long as giraffes
but I wonder still if they can see further upstream
than the rest of us whose necks barely stem
a few inches above the clavicle.

The current is a nonstop exciting confusion,
waves of wisdom and what ifs-
what if I fall, what if these wings won’t fly,
what if he sticks around, what if he won’t let go,
what if I am more, alone, than I ever was
while trying to be understood
and what is wisdom, really,
if I cannot be prepared, in advance, to use it.

Swans have long necks and feet that never seem
to need a break from being held down.

I have a short neck
and am always on the lookout for that break.

All words and photographs by Damien B Donnelly