Today my mother and sisters br came to see me. br br I had been alone a long time br with my poems, my pride . . . almost nothing. br br My sister---the oldest---is grown up, br is blondish. An elemental dream br goes through her eyes: I told the youngest br "Life is sweet. Everything bad comes to an end." br br My mother smiled as those who understand souls br tend to do; br She placed two hands on my shoulders. br She's staring at me . . . br and tears spring from my eyes. br br We ate together in the warmest room br of the house. br Spring sky . . . to see it br all the windows were opened. br br And while we talked together quietly br of so much that is old and forgotten, br My sister---the youngest---interrupts: br "The swallows are flying by us.