by Ethel Mortenson Davis
All the holy books
of the world
could fit on the tip
of a swallow’s wing
as she dips and sways,
diving for flying
insects.
All the wisdom of mankind
could balance on her
unpretentious head
as she cares for
her young
under the eves
of our house,
eyes showing no deception,
fighting off the blackness
that sits all around her.
fourwindowspress 
i completely agree. and this is an exquisitely simple, lovely poem. ~jane
Ethel, I can’t put my finger on the exact words–so I’ll just say this is “incomparable”! God bless you.
Ethel. I was going say “exquisite,” but Jane already did.
I love this, Ethel – a sparkling truth! All the wisdom of Nature, of Gaia, of the Cosmos – it’s all there on the tips of this Swallow’s wing – and in the words of your beautiful poem (which infinitely outweighs the so-called “wisdom” of humanity).
Perfectly beautiful.
Love Betty’s response to this beautiful poem, Ethel … this is just lovely.
Beautiful poem!
There is much wisdom and holiness to be found in observing animals and nature, but this is a daring and brave poem…I can feel the weight of man’s wisdom, I can feel the weight of humanity’s stack of knowledge and philosophy, both pretentious and humble…on the sparrow’s wing and balanced there on her head — her wisdom. I love this poem.
Yes, it is all there, all we need to know, all we need to be, true to our own nature.
This is so stunningly brave and beautiful, Ethel, as so much of your poetry is.
Another wonderful piece of writing, Ethel.