A pause, a thought, an attentive glance
at the water laced city of Amsterdam
could easily evoke some curiosity for the creatures
that are bound to these flowing streams.
But Alas! we tune into the buzz of the city instead
and rarely take a moment
to witness the beauty that's afloat.

 A Swan led journey

I have wandered with my lens in hand through the cities parks and
Made my acquaintance with the swans that inhabit Amsterdam.
With Yeats in mind …….
I have looked upon those brilliant creatures
And now my heart is sore,
………. they drift upon the still water,
Mysterious, beautiful and much more

As I have tracked them from birth, adolescence and youth
and I have wondered each time…..
 Among which rushes will they build,
By which dock, building or modern construction will they halt
As they move on from youth to adulthood and
navigate through to the IJ
 My camera has keenly captured their haunts and moods
Their many preoccupations.
It's tracked their brood, their protective moods,
Their soothing gestures, their encouraging support
And their family consultations.
 However my lens remained in awe, transfixed by their grace
As it recorded their tenderness, elegance and their angry shades.
 I know now what their fears are and their city foes
All the way from birth to death as they nurture their folds

If many of you would share their plight and see
How they adapt themselves as the city transforms
You will be forever changed and uplifted by the beautiful sight
Of these regal creatures
As they drift on the water or spread their pleated wings in flight.