by Josie Whitehead (www.whiteheadm.co.uk)
I'm not a silly-dilly duck, just sitting by the Wharfe.
I'm not the largest duck on earth, but also not a dwarf.
I'm waiting for the bread to come, and think it's rather sweet.
To see the children throwing it, exactly at my feet.
I'm not a silly-dilly duck - I've feathers grey and green.
My little wife is brown and white - we're such a lovely team.
We've lots of sons and daughter ducks, cousins and aunts as well,
The River Wharfe is just the place for any duck to dwell.
I'm not a silly-dilly duck, of that I'm very sure.
I often fly to see my friends who live on Ilkley Moor.
The Tarn is where I'll find the friends and pass an hour or two;
This surely is the perfect place, I'm sure you'll think it's true.
I'm not a silly-dilly duck just swimming on the river.
The winter wind is blowing now - I'll sit with friends and shiver.
We look hopefully at everyone with pleading little eyes -
An empty tum, is not much fun - don't blame us when we try.
So children. when you visit us, on Ilkley's grassy banks,
The food you bring will always be received with many thanks.
In springtime we'll be busy with our babies all around -
But you'll hear us on the river with our happy-quacky sound.
Copyright 2005