Wild Swans
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A lovely, exciting contrapuntal setting, opening with imitative entrances leading to a soaring fugal middle section with a touching homophonic transition to a thrilling finish.
Lyrics
I looked in my heart while the wild swans went over.
And what did I see I had not seen before?
Only a question less or a question more;
Nothing to match the flight of wild birds flying.
Tiresome heart, forever living and dying,
House without air, I leave you and lock your door.
Wild swans, come over the town, come over
The town again, trailing your legs and crying!
"Wild Swans" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Copyright 1921, 1948 by Edna St. Vincent Millay. All Rights Reserved. Words used by permission of Elizabeth Barnett, Literary Executor.