What is a "Mute Swan"?
The Silver Swan
The silver swan, who living had no note,
When death approached, unlocked her silent throat,
Leaning her breast against the reedy shore,
Thus sung her first and last and sung no more:
Farewell all joys! O death, come close mine eyes;
More geese than swans now live, more fools than wise.
------Traditional English Poem
this is the question which came to my mind when reading Robyn's post about Celtic lore for this month, the month called "gort" or "Ivy". (The month I was born in.) Mute swans are the animal associated with this month.
As it was learned from the Internet, they are simply the swans we usually think of.
They have bright ORANGE bills with a black outline and a "knob" at the top. Though not
totally mute, they can't make much sound because of the long graceful neck.
I am still hoping to do a swan painting or two, as I posted about a few months ago.
4 comments:
thanks for this Lila! will be watching for your paintings xo
oh make a painting where the necks form a heart...love that...blessings, rebecca
Swans are so lovely and graceful.
Something so serene about the way they glide across the water. You probably needed to wait until this month to do your painting.
Oh, what a sad poem you added to your post.
Do you know the old English/Scottish ballad called "The Swans of Bonny Portmore"? It tells the story of a sister who is pushed into the river by her jealous sister, and turns into a swan. Loreena McKennitt sings it.
Julie
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