Among the other wildlife that abounds in my suburb, there are many many ducks. I love seeing them on my walks, and out my front window, though I’m less keen on seeing them when I’m driving. I have to admit it puzzles me that they insist on walking on roads, when they could fly! Fortunately, most drivers slow down and give them to cross.
Anyway, because it’s Poetry Friday, and because I’ve been thinking a lot about these ducks, here’s a favourite duck poem, from Ogden Nash, and a favourite duck photo that I took a while ago.
The Duck
by Ogden Nash
Behold the duck.
It does not cluck.
A cluck it lacks.
It quacks.
It is specially fond
Of a puddle or pond.
When it dines or sups,
It bottoms ups.
What I love about this poem is that, like so much of Nash’s verse, it makes me smile. The humour in the choice of rhyme, and the duck-like flow of the short sharp lines never fails to bring a grin.
Poetry Friday today is hosted at The Logonauts. There you will find links to lots of other poetry goodness.
Love Ogden Nash – and this poem is one of the reasons why! Thanks for sharing it, Sally.
I love that poem, and love Nash all the way. What’s remarkable about his work is how easy he makes it look, when it is SO HARD!!
I LOVE Ogden Nash’s sense of humor and his word play. Your photo is fabulous!
Thanks Mary.
I live close to a park with lots of ducks and I won’t look at them again without thinking of this poem. Ogden Nash really is masterful at using words!
He is, isn’t he?
I’m late reading today, Sally, but so glad I read yours. Nash is so, so funny, seems to be born with a funny bone that others don’t have. Your query about the walking along roads is right on. I wonder why, are they resting? Thanks for the chuckle!
You’re welcome. I wonder if it is hard for them to take off for short distances, or something.
Coincidentally, I’m working on some duck poems. Nash’s rhymes are so much better than mine…
He is a master – but I’m sure yours are brilliant in their own way.
Such fun!
🙂
I love Nash! That duck poem is delightful. Great photo, too! I love matching a photo with a poem.
Thanks. It’s one of my favourite ever photos, and yes, matching photos and poems is fun.
Hi Sally,
I’m not too familiar with Nash, but this poem was fun. What I love with this sort of poems is they are best read. The way the words sound ducks, clucks and quacks add texture and humor to reading the poem.
Thanks for sharing.
Thankyou! Nash is a master of fun!
Great photo, and the poem brings a smile to my face as well! I love that it is both humorous and insightful. Thanks for sharing with #PoetryFriday!
Thanks for dropping by Katie – and for hosting Poetry Friday.