The sun shone brightly as it cast its rainbow of brilliance across the crystal clear water of the home of the swan. She basked in its glory, in its peace, its tranquility, its love. The swan knew more than her ears allowed her to hear Her heart sang songs of times of love, passion and a soul soaring high. She knew her soul's message was her only truth. The swan yearned to have the courage to listen, listen to its warm, caressing, loving, impassioned love for her. Her mate swam slowly and contentedly by, without even a stir to the water's edge. As she sang out, her mate looked toward her, acknowledging her presence, her existence, her body as her only being. Promises had been made, relationships formed. It was easy, it was then, it was now, it was a real unreality. The swan allowed the heat of the sun to warm her To embody her To nourish her in ways only one other could. But what of the sense of ease The sense of commitment The sense of complacency? The sun spoke to the swan with a vision of a goddess One who only exists in true , unconditional love. The vision felt wonderful to the swan for she had tasted its love, its heart, its soul, And knew that God had a master plan. If only the swan could allow herself to feel, to believe, to love. The swan reflected upon her life The days of fun, laughter and mating with her partner, her love, her then apparent light. Did she dare hear her mate's call? Should she allow herself to realize her mate's desire? Entwined in a sea of insecurity, conditioned love, and routine Deeply buried amongst the most beautiful of treasures Lay the truth- To love her mate, she would need to allow her to be free, To soar, to become herself through a journey to find herself. How could it be that the swan who so deeply loved a goddess of love, light, passion and ecstasy could allow herself to believe that her mate's goddess awaited In another place, another time, and one which she would not find until the swan allowed her to be free. Copyright © 1999 Susan Faith.