The Swan

This story is about my Trip to Hawaii where I spent two glorious weeks with this magnificent creature - the Swan.

From the first morning after I arrived, to the day I left for home, I was so drawn to him. I could see the intelligence in his eyes. He had a way of letting me see into his soul. I found such peace with him.

I inquired as to what his name was. He was new, so he had not been named yet. The Marriott had a huge lake-like area complete with waterfalls and fish located at the center of the complex. It was so peaceful and yet you could walk to the end and be at the beach. I was so happy to be able to have this swan near me.

This is the place he goes to at night. Someone puts him in a cage behind the bushy area so he will be safe.

When I showed up he came swimming toward me as if I were his old friend there for a visit.

We sort of took a stroll around the lake.

He had a beautiful place to live and wanted to share it with me.

He did not seem to care that there were other people around.

Sometimes he would lead the way...

He took me past the waterfall. He seemed to be showing me his new home.

I could not help but notice that he was majestic. Holding his wings just so.

I walked over a little bridge and looked down. Here he came, sailing under it.

When I came back that afternoon he was there to finish our walk. It was as if the sun was setting on his white feathers. I loved the reflections in the water.

He really didn't want me to leave. He was so close I could get a really good look at his bill. The colors that reflected from him amazed me.

He seemed to understand just how beautiful he was. He has never been taught that there was anything wrong with beauty. He seemed to say he loved beauty and was here to enjoy it. Nothing could dampen his joy at being alive.

"Just watch me," He seemed to say, and strutted around that little lake. I could not keep my eyes off him.

I am not sure, but I think he was trying to show me his feet. The dark leathery look with web toes. I was so enchanted. I spent some intimate moments with him, bath and all.

I always tried to get there before they turned on the water fall first thing in the morning. This little friend lived in the tree by the falls and knew just what time they turned it on. He would fly down just as it started to flow.

Here comes our swan. Headed for the falls. Or so I thought.

He got a little side tracked this morning. He put on a show I'll never forget!

He started out slow, arching his neck so graceful. I spent the next hour in awe.

What a dramatic sight! He had such fun!

The power he had in those wings! He exuded his power.

Nothing existed except right now, right here.

He did glance at me to see if I was watching. He liked to think I was enjoying the show.

The Swan had so much energy and put on a big show. He seemed to sense my appreciation and got even crazier!

I could not contain myself! I was the luckiest person in the world. The color bounced from the water to him. Water sprayed everywhere!

He spent a lot of time making sure his feet were clean and every feather was in the correct place.
At one time he was totally upside down with his feet up.

For some reason the name lance o'lot comes to mind this day. He has such spirit! I wonder if they will bring him a mate.

Even though I have spent many days with him I still can't keep my eyes off him. I just can't seem to get enough photos. Even when he is showing such power, he feels so peaceful.

I can't help but feel there is a life lesson in this. So powerful and so peaceful combined with beauty. That is the way it should be. I now have to live like that. I feel I am taking a great lesson home with me. I feel like crying. I will never be the same again. He has given me a gift of a life lesson. Oh, not just one lesson. I have learned a lot here, just watching a swan play. These two weeks have changed me forever.

Everything seems so surreal. I have had a peek into the life of a beautiful creature.

Makes me wonder... If we could live with one foot here and one foot there. Could we be as radiant, and gracious as this swan?

I wonder with all the people around, do they feel the love this bird has for life? They seem so intent on their own life. I guess that is the way it should be. It is my time to be right here, right now, with this creature. I love the time alone we share. I am glad they don't seem to notice. I feel this time was a gift to me. A gift I will treasure forever.

Some kids come down and throw some bread scraps to him. I decide to go to our room and pack.

Every time I go back to Hawaii, I go visit this swan. I now have a little studio in Wiamea so I don't stay at the Marriott. But I always go to visit him. We talk about the old times and he tells me he is happy.

Some famous swan quotes:

"I've developed into quite a swan. I'm one of those people that will probably look better and better as I get older - until I drop dead of beauty."
~ Rufus Wainwright

"Being born in a duck yard does not matter, if only you are hatched from a swan's egg."
~ Hans Christian Anderson

"Sometimes I feel my arm is like a swan's neck - so weak."
~ Maria Sharapova