Click photo to play
recorded reading
There’s three greedy mallard ducks who are just knocking at my door.
I’ve fed them once this morning - now they’re back and want some more.
They live their lives in Ilkley, and have their young upon the lake.
They know exactly where I live, and my bread they come and take.
It’s true - you must believe me - but the old duck’s name is Co.
He’s been returning to our house now for over twenty years or so.
He doesn’t have a wife now - Dilly died two years’ ago.
He’s with daughter and her husband – the three trot to and fro.
Now daughter Lil’s egg sitting – there’ll be ducklings very soon.
Then they too will accompany her throughout the month of June.
In July their wings will grow fast, and in August they’ll be strong;
Then all at once they’ll fly away to join others of their throng.
They’ll be gathering at the river where the children go to play,
But they knock upon our window for their bread on other days.
They always shout their greetings as they fly away and back
Up in the sky above us comes a cheery loud “quack quack”.
Copyright 2006