The Duck that could not Swim

Watching by the river’s edge

Bright and early in the early morning glow

A female Duck came waddling by

With babies one to eight in a row

Into the water she did go

Little ones followed all in a row

Until it got to number eight

Who got to the edge and stopped to wait

Mother stopped and looked around

Little baby making a quacking sound

Come on in, she did imply

Baby shook his head as if to say why

Brothers, Sisters all looked on amazed

As brother on bank just sat and gazed

At the water, not impressed

Had no intention of being pressed

Into the water as mother wanted

This was one request, not to be granted

Dipped his foot into the water deep

Into this don’t think I will creep

I looked on bewildered and amused

To see a duck look so unenthused

Not intending to do as he was told

Though so small, but yet so bold

Back came mother and a chase ensued

Along the river bank I was bemused

To see this duck in hot pursuit

Of her baby who looked so cute

Once caught, mum grabbed him by the neck

Looked to say, you will by heck

Come into the water with all of us now

No time to waste, learn to swim somehow

Into the water the mother duck went

Full of parental good intent

Put her chick onto the water, who suddenly reared

Went up, went down and disappeared

Panic stricken mum dived down

Grabbed her son who was about to drown

He was panicking flapping his wing

And just as suddenly began to swim

Off he went across the water fast

Mum and remainder followed at last

Down the river they all swam

Out of sight down by the dam

I walked off slightly mystified

To see a Duck that nearly died

But all was well, it ended fine

They all swam off, all in a line