A Swan’s Dilemma
Two swans fly over a serene mountain lake.
They circle and decide to land, eat, & rest.
All they see are a few ducks. They are bait.
The swans ignore this, as you might guess.
They are rummaging around in the tulles.
Something to eat. Maybe some minnows.
Suddenly, a loud bang shakes the tulles.
The ducks take off like bugs out a window.
The swans take flight. The female swerves.
She is hit in the foot by a shotgun pellet.
Her mate flies close to steady her nerves.
Her foot is bleeding. They can smell it.
Soon, they are safely out of range.
They find a small creek in which to land.
The female is limping, due to the pain.
It looks like it will heal ok if given a hand.
Her mate helps her all he can with food & drink.
Why would anyone shoot poor innocent ducks?
Swans are protected. Collateral damage, they think.
We are birds. So are ducks.
We differ in looks and color.
Yet, we are the same. What a rut.
They will shoot one, but not another?
When will they give up this silliness.
Stop shooting us all and live in peace.
All it would take is a little willingness.
We all share this planet. It’s the very least.
————————————R. W. Johnson—–(2015)