74 Swans

You counted 74 swans on the canal
You counted 74 swans on the canal
And you were glad it was an even number
Everybody had another
No-one was facing this cold alone
They were gathered between bridges
In the steely sunshine
Bookend by ice on either side
Here comes a pair on final approach
Wings like great white bellows
Gathering inward to land
And it looks like grace
I thought you were right there with me
On my left side
Too eager to get where I’m going
I left you behind
But you were on the last watch
The passing of the torch
You counted 74 swans, now there’s 75