Sydney Lea was the Vermont poet laureate in 2011–2015 and received the 2021 Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. The author of sixteen poetry collections, including What Shines, he has also published two novels, including Now Look (Down East, 2024) and eight volumes of personal essays, including Such Dancing as We Can (Humble Essayist, 2024). Lea lives in Newbury, Vermont.

Wood Ducks Again

by Sydney Lea

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 ducklings—that is, if they manage to dodge
death by coyote or fisher or fox—
will paddle at large on the water
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