The well rising without sound,
the spring on a hillside,
the plowshare brimming through deep ground
everywhere in the field—

The sharp swallows in their swerve
flaring and hesitating
hunting for the final curve
coming closer and closer—

The swallow heart from wingbeat to wingbeat
counseling decision, decision:
thunderous examples. I place my feet
with care in such a world.

Copyright Credit: William Stafford, “The Well Rising” from The Way It Is. Copyright © 1960, 1998 by William Stafford and the Estate of William Stafford. Used with the permission of Graywolf Press.