- given inphraseChapter 1 →
To finally stop resisting and yield completely — here the clouds have stopped holding their rain and released it fully, as if surrendering after a long struggle.
“the clouds had given in / and we walked, our shoes / slipping on the wet grass”
- waterloggedadjectiveChapter 1 →
So thoroughly soaked with water that the ground is saturated and soft underfoot, making walking difficult and messy.
- slippingverbChapter 1 →
Losing one's footing on a slick surface — here the wet grass causes the couple's shoes to slide, emphasising how unstable and uncertain their situation feels.
“our shoes / slipping on the wet grass”
- mate for lifephraseChapter 1 →
To form a permanent bond with a single partner that lasts until one of them dies, as swans are known to do in nature.
“they mate for life”
- swallowedverbChapter 1 →
Completely enclosed or enveloped by something larger — used here to describe one hand being entirely wrapped inside the other, suggesting protection and tenderness.
- settlingverbChapter 1 →
Coming gently to rest after movement — here describing wings folding quietly down after a bird has landed, used as an image for the couple's hands coming naturally together.
“like a pair of wings / settling after flight”
- reconciliationnounChapter 1 →
The act of restoring a friendly or loving relationship after a period of conflict or distance, without necessarily using words to do so.
- instinctiveadjectiveChapter 1 →
Done automatically, without conscious thought or deliberate decision — driven by a natural impulse rather than reasoned choice.
Winter SwansShort story by Owen Sheers