Swans

Regarding "Swans"

There is a small body of water
In Melrose, Massachusetts.
It is called, “Ell Pond,” and is a
Well-known landmark
In the heart of town.
It originally got its name
Because its configuration was
Shaped like the letter, “L.”
Whenever I drive past, I
Invariably see people
On benches gazing
Peacefully out upon the
Water. My mother,
Now age 100, used to
Swim there as a young girl
About age 12, and even
Now fondly recalls
Doing handstands in the
Water with her girlfriends!
They would get to the
Beach early so they would
Not have to pay an entrance fee!
And over the past several
Decades, Ell Pond has
Woven itself into the lives
Of one of my sisters
And her daughter, as they
Have faithfully tracked
The wildlife comings
And goings on the pond,
Particularly those of the white
Swans which have
Exquisite beauty.
On Ell Pond today there
Are two swans, one named,
“Mel,” and the other, “Rose,”
Obviously after the town
In which they reside!
From time to time, Mel and
Rose have been featured
In local news media, and are
Very well known in the
Community. In the
Mythical poem associated
With this meditation,
The female swan, “Rose,”
Comes upon a little
Secluded section of woods
Bordering the water,
And awaits the love of
Her life, “Mel,” to arrive.
She is going to meet
Him for the first time, and
She demurely and shyly
Holds her breath,
Not knowing if he would
Come by coach or
Glide by in disguise!

Leo Carroll
May 1, 2022