Wood Ducks Again
They come to our pond every April.
No need to tell me it makes no sense
for me to feel mild rage at their obstinacy.
I turn from my desk and they’re here.
The drakes will battle until one prevails,
the hen will lay her clutch,
The drakes will battle until one prevails,
the hen will lay her clutch,
the ducklings—that is, if they manage to dodge
death by coyote or fisher or fox—
will paddle at large on the water
death by coyote or fisher or fox—
will paddle at large on the water