Blackbirdan online journal of literature and the artsSpring 2011 v10n1
DAVID KEPLINGER

At Hald Hovedgaard Estate

Afternoon Swim
To get the song out of my head
I take the boat and ride into the center
of the lake. It is against the rules

but as the light that shines
through oak leaves falls
in patches of huge brightness,

I float and in the water hear
one thing. This cantata is
“Mein Herze Schwimmt in Blut.”

It takes real blood to silence
beauty. The way it fills my ears,
rushing inward toward nothing.