swallows capering

in the purple twilight—

the life

"An avian ode that migrates and mitigates through a lifetime of experiences. It is a moving tribute to a life well-lived, all its hopes and heartache. The careful observation and attention of our winged neighbors provides a thought-provoking metaphor for the cycle of life giving the reader a personal bird's-eye view from the poet's perspective."

—TAK Erzinger, poet winner of the University of Indianapolis

2021 Whirling Prize