The Legend of the Swan

Green and yellow reeds sway beside the pond,
broken by a few poplars and willows
and the counter-swaying of snakes or weasels
patrolling.

The pond is wide and blue, like a mountain gem
and on its surface glides a swan.
Just the one.

She is large, even for a swan, with white plumage
a long black neck, and a bright red oval 
on her breast.

According to legend, she is probably
a cursed princess, or a young maiden,
transformed by a terrible loss.

Swans attract these legends, wear each one
like a gossamer shroud, shimmering in the moon,
like the weight of quiet years, swimming.

The red spot directly over her heart
seems like a perfect hunter's target.
Though hunters may have found the pond
from time to time, she remains.

Once in a while, she sings.