Swifts - Ruth Pitter

Low over the warm roof of an old barn,
Down in a flash to the water, up and away with a cry
And a wild swoop and a sharp turn
And a fever of life under a thundery sky,
So they go over, so they go by.

And high and high and high in the diamond light,
Soaring and crying in sunshine when heaven is bare,
with the pride of life in their strong flight
And a rapture of love to lift them and carry them there,
High and high in the diamond air.

And away with the summer, away life the spirit of glee,
Flashing and calling, strong on the wing, and wild in their play,
With a high cry to the high sea,
And a heart for the south, a heart for the diamond day,
So they go over, so go away.

Emma Thomas "Ruth" Pitter (b. 7 November 1897 in Ilford, Greater London, UK - 29 February 1992)