Wring the Neck of the Swan

Wring the neck of the lying feathered swan

That gives a white note to the azure fountain!

It glides in grace, but never thinks upon

The soul of things, the voice from out the mountain.

Flee from every form and every fashion

Through which life's latent rhythm does not roll;

Only life itself adore with passion,

And let life know this homage of your soul.

Observe that sober owl which takes his flight

From Olympus and the refuge Pallas made

To get himself in silence to his tree:

Although he has no swan's grace, you can see

His sober profile sharp against the shade

Interpreting the mystery of night.

Enrique Gonzäles Martinez