Cygnet

The message is clear —

there’s time for what you need —

There’s time for you to nap on the shore

when the wind is boisterous

and the waves contrary

and the journey is too long for you

There’s time for you to tuck your head

and gather strength. Your parents

will wait and stand guard

while you sleep

Heir of grace,

you will be guided

through these ungainly times

before your white flight feathers.

You are every bit as loved

in your gray garb

as you have always been,

as you will ever be.

Months will deliver you

into your splendor,

but now you can take

all the time that you need.

©Wendy Mulhern

July 14, 2016