We saw you long ago in southern sun

Where cunningly you swooped to dodge the next

In dizzy games of touch and tag.

Your zest for play inspired our evening toil

As wearily we thought of hours to come.

On northern breeze you're flying here tonight;

The selfsame flickering flap of frenzied fun -

The graceful glide on crescent wing.

Your dual home of transient nest and joy

Speaks peace to migrant aliens' homeless ways.

Folkestone

Recalling the swallows at Sulenkama, South Africa

July 1968