The Swings
Swings often grow over with peonies and lure butterflies. As you sway, one of them may fly into your mouth and settle in the labyrinths of your heart.
And if a fly wanders in, drive it away – far away – whip it with a lily blossom from your grandmother’s yard, cast spells from her book, splash it with water from her well.
At times, an owl will land on the swings. Do not chase it away – embrace it. And it will carry you through the night. It is sad, but it knows the maps of the stars.
A bear, once seated, may weigh the swings down. So always consider whether it is worth letting him stay. If a sparrow lands, lightness will fill the swings. So do not tempt the bear – better to extend your hand to the sparrow.
If a fox sits beside you, greet it politely, but do not trust its tail or its charms. A mouse will allways brew you coffee in misfortune. Its tail is always true.
And if a nightingale settles there, listen to its song. Do nothing – just listen. Sometimes this happens only once in a lifetime.
If a badger sits down, you may fall asleep. So better to politely ask it to leave – no dream can replace the act of swinging.
Sometimes the rain will soak you through. There is no need to hide in a little house and wait for clear skies. Only when fully drenched will you feel how good it is to dry little by little in the sun rays, as they gently tickle your soles.
If a storm comes, it will try to blow you away. So hold on tight. Then it will try at least to tangle your hair. Always keep it braided. And if it blows your hat away – do not cry. It may be of use to the one who finds it. Perhaps to a poet.
Swings may also grow over with carnations, mint, or clematis. All kinds of things happen in life.
And that is very good. All flowers are different, yet holier than those on the horns of an Indian cow.
One day, without a doubt, the snow will cover you – with all your carnations, mint, and clematis. When the snow melts, you will be gone, but the blossoms will remain. And into them, the butterflies will settle once again.