poem as superhero

[descieux]

When asked what one poem could save the earth, John Felstiner unhesitatingly selected the following.

The Well Rising
by William Stafford

The well rising without sound,
the spring on a hillside,
the plowshare brimming through the deep ground
everywhere in the field -

The sharp swallows in their swerve
flaring and hesitating
hunting for the final curve
coming closer and closer -

The swallow heart from wing beat to wing beat
counseling decision, decision:
thunderous examples. I place my feet
with care in such a world.