WINGS Mary Oliver p. 1990* ======================== I saw the heron poise like a branch of white petals in the swamp, in the mud that lies like a glaze, in the water that swirls its pale panels of reflected clouds; I saw the heron shaking its damp wings-- and then I felt an explosion-- a pain-- also a happiness I can hardly mention as I slid free-- as I saw the world through those yellow eyes-- as I stood like that, rippling, under the mottled sky of the evening that was beginning to throw its dense shadows. No! said my heart, and drew back. but my bones knew something wonderful about the darkness-- and they thrashed in their cords, they fought, they wanted to lie down in that silky mash of the swamp, the sooner to fly. ======== * from _House_of_Light_, 1990 ======== ========