The Black Swan of Tiananmen

Poemata, II

A black swan in Tiananmen
Flew in when the air was dry
No one glimpsed exactly when
It descended from the sky--
The cygnus is a water-fowl
Not known to crow or even howl
Or so far inland to fly
Unlike a crow or owl;

From this image much was sought
As leaves of tea or bones oft do
Bear a meaning for which was fought
Many a battle false or true;
But the swan his feathers cleaned
As if promptness he had not esteemed
And for holiday here he flew
Leisurely he preened;

"The black swan" - the unforeseen
How could it be an omen then?
Fooled by randomness we've been
Misreading old Tiananmen;
If in finding we must find
A portent which may draw a line,
Say- "This generation"
"Will not get a sign."