The Swan
by Judith Eastman

Like a black cloud
it settles in for a while-
the inability to concentrate,
little decisions take on grand proportions,
pessimism about the marriage.
Just when I had pronounced it dead,
a voice called from the grave,
Maybe there is some hope for us yet.

I feel a bit like
a wounded swan
looking for her lost mate.
The trouble is
He flew off without her-
against the natural order of things.
They were supposed to be mates
for life.

Hesitantly, cautiously,
I approach this one last effort.
My wounds are almost healed
and the scars are fresh.
I am not in a hurry to rip them open.
I respond - make a list-
What are the deal breakers?
Do you want ME more than
you don't want another
failure in your cap?

Roll it around,
think on it awhile.
Use the strength and intelligence
God gives to see this through.
The swan WILL find her way home again,
even if it is alone.

Notes From The Author:
Judith Eastman, a school teacher, from Eastern Virginia is going through a separation and possible divorce after 31 years of marriage