The Swans of Skagit Valley

Philippians 2:5-11

To the human eye,
the cornfield empties itself of value
for the rest of the year.

Ragged rows of stubble
stretch to the fog-bleared tree line.

Large puddles of freezing rainwater
and patches of old snow
punctuate the dun-horse devastation.

The autumn crop is obedient
to the point of death.

Tranquility is shattered
by a rising crescendo of trumpeter swans
haggling over their landing spots.

Gleaners from the far north fill their bellies
with the final treasures of the field,
then rise in unison to the heavens,
each as heavy as a small suitcase at Sea-Tac,
necks fully extended,
bleating furiously,
as they bolt for the breeding grounds.

Palm Sunday
April 2, 2023