I see everything, now that I’m passed it, touch the ruff bark in the cool garden when there’s no-one to tell it but the owl,
clouds ruffled by wind, & I’m far from desolate.
I want this,
exquisite lonesomeness.
2
I stood by the lake, knowing that it’s deeper than I’m tall.
A duck saw a man with his boots on – swam to shore with her children.
She was right to trust me.
I love ducks & their little babies.
OK, right. Loved my time out there, but it was 25 or so years ago.
I worked (shock, horror) for Sunday News as a sub, and we were right in the Waikato Times newsroom.
I know you wouldn’t hurt a duck, your secret is safe with us, fratello mio! I enjoy the movement of view.
what secret! i hesitate to kill flies, even. Thanks Peter. I’m a bit dubious about this piece, now: there’s a lack of balance, i feel. the last note is too light (or too heavy!). is it “bathos”?
I like this. You’ve been back to the park, I take it?
i’m always at the park. actually, here i’m on campus – it’s where i posted that sculpture on fb, which you liked. there are 3 little lakes with lots of ducks. i like them a lot – for the usual reasons: they make me feel tranquil etc, & how cool to be able to swim & fly! (& walk a bit). i couldn’t resist the hint of sinisterism at the end, but that’s just me being silly. thanks John
Sounds cool.
I think I missed all that in my time in Hamilton, so long ago.
I did have to duck occasionally in the nets out at the Waikato Times at Te Rapa.
you’re a journalist, right? i worked at the WT in te rapa between 2012 & 2014. i was the Landing Operator. loved that job. mix of cruise & physical. spent half the time reading the paper & drinking coffee
if you’re gonna pun like that, then: i got a lot of ducks playing cricket