The gentle swan
With graceful neck
A placid, floating sight
Though ever fond,
None would suspect
It could inspire such fright.

This oh-so elegant waterfowl
that inspired a grand ballet,
when angered will not be deterred
from furious display!

Be not seduced
by feathers white
or masked, exotic eye,
that beak was made
to stab and bite–
that swan wants you to DIE.

–Jim Meskimen