One morning I woke up with the desire to take one of my favorite country walks including along the banks of the iconic river Itchen. On reaching this pristine location, I literally released my heart, leaving behind everyday existence and normality of daily life to be absorbed by Nature.
I lay on the river’s grassy bank where trees and a blue sky with hints of fluffy white clouds transported me on an unknown path to a level of consciousness; subliminal, dream-like, imaginary with some elements being supremely real.
Close by, swans climbed out of the river where I seemed to be accepted as one of their family. Friendly glances as if I were a relative; introducing their signets with love and pride. There was a sense that I would love to see one of them ‘takeoff’ from the river. A nod and look of enthusiasm strongly intimated it would be a supreme joy.
Re-entering the river, a look of keenness and a gentle bow of the head she took to the sky as if a supersonic Concord.
Such a magnificent sight. Having written about such majestic swans on a number of occasions, their regal manner, grace, and elevated posture never cease to amaze me.
Whether in a trance-like state of mind, hovering between fantasy and dreams or just looking at them in awe and wonder, Swans have so much to offer humans. And perhaps humans can learn from such graceful and peaceful beings but alert to danger, protecting signets with energy where there are no limits to maintaining their safety.
The next time you walk along a river, where swans grace your eyes allowing reality to leave your heart escaping and embracing dreams and fantasy.
SIMON LEVER, I can fully identify myself with your sentiments, emotions and feelings which you so beautifully portrayed in your article.
It was an absolutely spectacular Autumn early afternoon in the early 1970’s – my first time in Finland, while lazing on the extreme quietness enjoying the tranquility of exquisitely beautiful lakeshore in the National Park Aulanko, I was ‘startled” by a strange noise as a family of 5 whooping swans decided to visit – what a transfixing and delightful sight it was. That was the first time I saw the graceful movements, the calm, and the majestic beauty of these magnificent birds – I only learned later that the Swan is the national bird of Finland.
Thank you for sharing your experience in nature.
Hello Jonathan,
Thank for your comments and special information. And thank you for the special compliment.
I had not idea that The Swan was Finland’s national bird. (I always thinks that there should be another term for swan other than ‘bird’! Swans are indeed rather special at takeoff and landing. Takeoff reminds me of watching Concord taking off from the windows of Terminal 4 Heathrow Airport. On hearing the sound of its engines, everyone would dash to the window to witness this spectacular plane.
Simon