John Swain

John Swain is living in Le Perreux-sur-Marne, France and has published two collections of poetry, Ring the Sycamore Sky, and Under the Mountain Born. His most recent chapbook, From the Roof Terrace, was published in a bilingual edition. Additional information may be found at www.john-swain.com

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► John Swain's microchap & (selected) poems are available below. Download the PDF by clicking the title.

Origami Microchap with Selected Poems

The Daymark

Click title to download micro

Cover art by Lauri Burke

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In a Clear Vase

Water balms the lilies in a clear vase
like the turn of a white star,
sun scatters through linen curtains,
the light inscribes
your rest in jessamine,
sun colors the bird at your wrist.

We praise with the sky as your shade
all the day, white flowers of light
climb the iron stair railing.

Splendor of Rivers

The splendor of rivers crests at your belt,
the sky lifts cypress and hyacinth,
willows spill into a bright pool,
we carried a globe of smoke to the water.
I split my lip to dig a chrysalis,
sun emerges from your chamber of light.

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Poets