”The Swimmer And The Swan” is the sixth in my 2022 series of articles based on my real life experiences, professional insights, personal views and fun stories. My hope is that in them you find joy and inspiration.
The Swimmer slipped into the cold water of the lake and struck out for the nearby bouy. As she did so, the lone swan which had shadowed her dawn dips since the advent of springtime, slid from the reeds and followed her. On reaching the bouy, the Swimmer checked to confirm that her escort was indeed bobbing in her wake and, satisfied so, she set off for the shore again. The swan dutifully followed. When the Swimmer arrived back at her launching point, she raised herself from the water, wafted a kindly kiss toward her swimming partner and headed into the old log cabin she called home. The swan returned to his solitary spot somewhere in the long grass bordering the lake.
Throughout the summer this early morning ritual of the Swimmer and the swan repeated itself daily. Their bond became unbreakable.
Then autumn arrived and with it the cooler weather, then the frosts and mists which eventually cancelled the Swimmer's daily immersions. She no longer rose early to exercise in the lake and her swan fell from view too. When the Swimmer called for the swan or searched around the lakeside, there was no trace of him. He had clearly moved on to warmer climes to see through the winter months.
In due course spring came round again. On the first day that the Swimmer chose to brave the chilly waters, she arose at sun-rise and went quickly to the lakeside. A brief scout around provided no sight or sign of her graceful companion. She entered the water and set off on the first leg of her swim to the bouy. Once or twice she paused and looked behind her … but no swan.
Arriving at the bouy, she clung there to rest momentarily as was her custom. Just as she was about to start back for shore, she saw a movement in the water coming towards her. Gradually a figure appeared, drifting silently through the fine sheet of mist which hung on the water's surface. As the shape emerged into view she saw .... 'her' swan! She was so happy to see him, she let out an involuntary whoop. But her cup of joy was not yet full. For behind 'her' swan, swam another, gliding serenely towards her. Then behind the two swans came a veritable procession of chicks! The cygnets, grey, fluffy and chaotic, cheeped and splashed along in line. There were seven of them.
After several moments to take in the delight of the new family, the Swimmer commenced her return journey to land. What a sight for any early morning shore stroller to behold! A veritable convoy of, first the Swimmer, then the swan, then his new mate and in tow behind came the straggle of frantically paddling chicks.
Throughout the spring and summer, the circus repeated itself. Every day the swan family accompanied the Swimmer's day-break swims to the bouy and back. All the while the cygnets grew in size and confidence. Soon they discarded their grey and brown feathers and assumed coats of gleaming white. By summer's end they were true adolescents, cocksure and preening.
All too soon the day came for the Swimmer to bade them farewell. The mornings had become too dark and the water too icey for her daily awakenings. The swans felt it too. They flew off to their winter lodgings somewhere far to the south.
Alone, confined to land and with time to reflect, the Swimmer thought to tell friends and post on social media the story of her enchanting swan family experience. But she quickly decided not to. In fact, she resolved to share her secret with no-one. Not one single person. Why? Was it selfishness? A desire to 'keep all the pleasure' for herself? Deny the delight to others? It was none of these things.
No, she kept her own counsel in order to protect the integrity of the natural event of which she had unwittingly become part. She did not want the swans' habitat invaded and disturbed by visitors, however well-meaning. She did not see her interaction with the beautiful birds as being a public event, a performance. It was private and personal. And so it would remain.
How often in life do you compromise the integrity of your privacy (and that of others) by exposing yourself to short term glorification and voyeurism? How often do you sell yourself short for a moment in the spotlight? The Swimmer concluded with empathy and insight that the swans were thinking of none of those ephemeral illusions when following their natural instincts to swim with her in the lake. So, she chose to honour their integrity. To be the guardian of their dignity.
Likewise, you have it within you to be swimmer or swan in your own lake of life. To be part of beautiful experiences which need not have an audience nor applause in order to flourish. Public recognition is often rewarding, but unheralded and unsung modesty satisfies essential human needs too. Moments deserving of such discretion are precious - and all the more wondrous because of it. As with the Swimmer and the swan.
I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.
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THE SWIMMER AND THE SWANS is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
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See you there! Regards, Tom.
Comments
You write so eloquently Tom. I can actually see the Swimmer and the Swans, I can
see the mist coming off the water. The lesson in the Story is priceless. Some things
just aren't meant to be shared.
Thanks, you're very kind Robin. Privacy is under-valued in much of society. Even well-intentioned deeds (charitable work or donations for example) are diminished by show-casing or bragging after the event.
What an awesome way to convey your message about honor, integrity and dignity. I really enjoyed reading your post today Tom Riach
I'm happy to hear that Terri. Thanks for your appreciation.
Thanks for a wonderful story, Tom, and for a timely lesson.
Thanks George. Swans know all about family and how to protect it.