1. 

   • 1
   • 2
   • 3
   • 4
   • 5
   • 6
   • 7
   • 8
   • 9
   • 10
   • 11
   • 12
   • 13
   • 14
   The Well Rising

   by William E. Stafford, 1960

   .

   .

   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.

   .

   .

   .

   “The Well Rising” copyright 1960, 1998 the Estate of William Stafford. Reprinted from The Way It Is with the permission of Graywolf Press.