I stopped to see my swans today.
They hardly paid me heed.
Too busy, were they, eating grass;
it was their time to feed.

Their bills were snapping at the blades
which, all around them, grew.
Their necks were arched resemble-ing
an upside-down white "U".

They failed to greet me warmly
like they both had yesterday.
I walked toward the water
and they barely looked my way.

But I felt slighted, not the least.
This visit was not meant
to be an imposition.
That was far from my intent.

For, just to watch them was my aim;
so if I was ignored,
it showed they weren't afraid. To be
themselves, they could afford.

And this delighted me to know.
I caused them no alarm.
My presence need not threaten them;
from me, would come no harm.

And glad, I was, they weren't compelled
to alter their routine.
'Twas such a pleasure standing there,
just witnessing this scene.

Their dinner time went on and on.
They snapped and pulled and chewed.
This domicile, they had procured,
was very lush with food.

Then suddenly, these birds of grace,
so dignified and prim,
turned mad with frenzy;
hence ensued an after-dinner swim.

They rolled and splashed and beat their wings;
a glee-filled, Grande display.
They thrashed and made the waters churn;
a frolicsome soiree.

The larger one, then stretched his neck
as far as it would reach;
his bill agape so slightly,
like he planned to make a speech.

His body, he raised, slowly up
and nobly tall, became.
He arched his back, puffed up his chest;
his pride, he did proclaim.

And then he made those great white wings
unfold, immodestly,
as if about to hug someone
he was so thrilled to see.

He beat the air with mighty flaps,
then stopped and was subdued.
The smaller one then reproduced
this act, as if so cued.
The larger bird, so calmly, watched
these movements of his mate.
The consummate swan gentleman;
for her, he now did wait.

She flapped her quota dutif'fly;
her wings, she then tucked in.
The next phase of this pairs' routine
was ready to begin.

As such an active day was this,
their coats had lost some sheen.
A thorough fresh'ning up was due.
It now was time to preen.

Their bills attacked and jabbed and bobbed;
their necks, two dancing snakes.
Those chosen feathers, winnowed out
all floated like snow flakes.

They skillfully engaged this task
with diligence and zest.
their noble reputations deemed
they ought to look their best.

The plumage flew, their beaks did peck,
their necks contorted, so.
'Twas such a treat to watch these swans.
But now I had to go.

I'd spent such time, this day allowed.
Still, short seemed this reprieve!
If I was only more like them,
I'd, not now, have to leave!

But people need to wash their clothes;
a curse, all humans share.
And if I don't do mine today
I'll have no underwear!

These swans can spruce-up when they wish,
wherever they are at.
But me, I had to say farewell;
and hello Laundromat.