Distances

Swifts turn in the heights of the air; 
higher still turn the invisible stars. 
When day withdraws to the ends of the earth 
their fires shine on a dark expanse of sand. 

We live in a world of motion and distance. 
The heart flies from tree to bird, 
from bird to distant star, 
from star to love; and love grows 
in the quiet house, turning and working, 
servant of thought, a lamp held in one hand.