April 14th

come on duck-billed baby
your lips are hanging over your
teacup mouth
the water's gone thick with spring
it's time to
ruffle yourself

those other men, their heads
snaked under their wings, the green
glow of their slick necks
they don't have nothing
on your puffed out cream show
your chest like a burst eclair

curve around the lake edge and float
a ripple away from her
blink your little black eyes

sure she's fresh feathered
and brown backed
snootmouthed and weedy
she's out of your league,
duck-billed brother but

wiggle your rumpdance
you've got some mighty fine moves