Duck Day

DUCK DAY In Primorskaya today the river ice was breaking. Two mallard ducks were celebrating In a Lake-Huron-shaped patch about one square metre, Taking an enthusiastic bath, making selves look neater Dipping their heads in many times for glee - First bath in six months or so, maybe; Then a short swim: paddles about a dozen. The river is still mostly frozen, But ice all around looks moth-eaten now. Many dark patches where water is just below: That liquid map of the Great Lakes in motion Is changing rapidly into the Pacific Ocean. Long winter, and springtime’s shorter - But ducks are celebrating the triumph of water.