Bell X1

74 Swans

You counted 74 swans on the canal
You counted 74 swans on the canal
And you were glad it was an
Even number
Everybody had another
No-one was facing this cold alone
They were gathered between bridges
In the steely sunshine
Bookend by ice on either side
Here comes a pair on final approach
Wings like great white bellows
Gathering inward to land
And it looks like grace
You counted 74 swans on the canal
You counted 74 swans on the canal
And you were glad it was an even
Number
Everybody had another
No-one was facing this cold alone
I thought you were right
There with me,
On my left side
Too eager to get where I'm going,
I left you behind
But you were on the last watch,
The passing of the torch