familial reunions
we arrive in our childhood home
my sisters-nomadic Swallows
return each year to the familial nest
they pay no heed to the difficulties of a far journey
we reminisce
until the hour of lilac clouds
swathed in the green cool of the Linden tree
and honeyed scent of flowers
the wind strumming the branches
and the curious sun
peeking through the canopy of the enormous tree
listen to the conversations
we know that we must part in the fall
I will find shelter in a distant city
black-and-white birds will go south
they will slash another azure sky
several months will pass
the sun will draw trails in the sky
it will offer strength to spreading wings
it will send an invitation to return
we will meet again
we will survive successive troubles
strengthened by the energy of the place
in which everything begun
we arrive in our childhood home
my sisters-nomadic Swallows
return each year to the familial nest
they pay no heed to the difficulties of a far journey
we reminisce
until the hour of lilac clouds
swathed in the green cool of the Linden tree
and honeyed scent of flowers
the wind strumming the branches
and the curious sun
peeking through the canopy of the enormous tree
listen to the conversations
we know that we must part in the fall
I will find shelter in a distant city
black-and-white birds will go south
they will slash another azure sky
several months will pass
the sun will draw trails in the sky
it will offer strength to spreading wings
it will send an invitation to return
we will meet again
we will survive successive troubles
strengthened by the energy of the place
in which everything begun
Swallows are among the most symbolic of all birds. They follow predictable migratory patterns, so bird lovers often await their return to a particular locale. Thus they symbolize homecoming after a long journey. Sailors used to have a swallow tattooed on their chest, hand, or neck before setting out on a long voyage, and another when they returned to home port. If the sailor drowned, the swallow tattoo would bear his soul to Heaven. Similarly, since swallows don't fly far out to sea, seeing them meant that land was near and the voyage nearly done. Since swallows mate for life they are associated with fidelity and everlasting love, though perhaps paradoxically they also represent freedom,
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