I walk the lake
Every day
It’s alive with life
Every day
Gulls in a row
Every day
But the last few weeks
I see these ducks
Paddling the current
Rough high waves
I fear for them
They are too small!
Next day they’re back
All safe and sound
The lake is calm
They look the same
They seem to know
I look for pairs
And there they are
They mix and mingle
Some alone and yet
They seem to know
I wonder where
they go at night
Always to return
to this mighty lake
They like it here
It can’t be easy.
…Inspired by the resiliency of the Mallard duck
– the oldest of its species.
December 2018