Duck & Groundcover

Jay Hopler

    

Meadows petaled turquoise.
      They shiver like glacial lakes
          Even when the sun shines.
              A duck could be forgivn,
      Then, the lack of grace
                  In a dry landing. The ooofff!
              We each to Heaven send
                      At every bounce, a plea:
                      How about a little mercy,
                          For ducks’ sake? What the duck
      Must think the moment the lake
                  Reveals itself a field of blue
                              Flowers & a few sharp stones–.
                              O God, where did I go wrong–