Dispersion Home

by john clare

Dropping into the lake that spring morning
The warmth of the wood box home high above me
I joined my brothers and sisters immediately
And knew from the start an inward yearning.

I knew without warning that gators and snakes
were to be avoided
I knew from the beginning a longing for
a distant home
That I must eat continually and grow strong
In order to join the great, gathering dispersion.

I recall well that first chill of autumn
And how from this lake as if on cue
We lifted and knew the path as we in
V formations were joined with
Wings of purpose going toward the
home we knew from fledglings.

And so now I lay in the same box
from which I came
The ones who will again disperse to
homes they know
As upon the grand V I shall see
but not go
But this I shall know as from the beginning
Home was always the deepest
instinct within me.