smooth my feathers
gently
stroke me with care
and kindness
remind me
you are here
because of me
not
despite me
my silky bill
is happy to nibble
your proffered treats
I accept them
delicately
and gratefully
perhaps we shall waddle together
along the torrent’s bank
feather by feather
rumbling
sympathetic noises
in support of each other’s
difficulties and losses
we might
quack out loud
in an excited succession
of jokes and
flirting
and perhaps we will be
lucky enough
to nestle together
and make a sanctuary
on the dry sticks
life provides