Nature
Omen of the Swans
Translated by Alexander Carmichael (1900) · From Carmina Gadelica, vol. II (1900): Miscellaneous
I heard the sweet voice of the swans,
At the parting of night and day,
Gurgling on the wings of travelling,
Pouring forth their strength on high.
I quickly stood me, nor made I move,
A look which I gave from me forth
Who should be guiding in front ?
The queen of luck, the white swan.
This was on the evening of Friday,
My thoughts were of the Tuesday —
I lost my means and my kinsfolk
A year from that Friday for ever.
Shouldst thou see a swan on Friday,
In the joyous morning dawn.
There shall be increase on thy means and thy kin.
Nor shall thy flocks be always dying,
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “Omen of the Swans.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/214/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “Omen of the Swans.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/214/.
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