A swan lifts from the water
Wings bat feverishly at the air
The body, heavy, resists
Weighing it down,
Creating drag.
Yet it fights
Believing it is destined to fly once more.
It is not glorious and graceful, as is its descent onto the water.
Dignity laid aside
Snow white plumes sullied in spray
It battles opposing currents to gain lift.
So is life.
If you wish to soar
You must first battle, undignified, unwieldly
Caring nought for the observer.
Those bound to the land do not understand
Lacking faith for the battle they look on
Surprised when finally you glide upward
Wings aching but heart swelling
Caught at last in the updraft.