Nurture

male swans do not incubate
eggs of their soon to arrive
cygnets

they are however both protective
and present keeping a watchful
eye on proceedings

from cool clear marina waters
on a May morning a cob sails close
a warning for predators

while his mate warms
with her white feathered belly
a brood of nine it is said

her patience and dedicated
diligence is not lost on observers
stood at a safe distance

when on a whim she stands
to shake her booty exposing what
has been hidden

eight grey in colour of a similar
size half covered in dry river grass
and dried reeds

stretching her legs and preening
she shadows her large tidy nest
not leaving it for a second

who am I to suggest
that our own species take a feather
out of the book of swan life

Reviews

[Pete]

by now i'm quite sure that your words reflect what is in the heart. i just witnessed this first hand at the old mill pond i pass by everyday on my afternoon walk. a female mallard duck sitting on nest of eggs at the edge of the water, males gliding about nearby on the water with an occasional squabble. your poetry is real and that is sufficient. we should all possess such a lens for viewing life ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank Pete. I find so much pleasure looking at the behavior of our wildlife. Pleased to hear that you do too. So pleased you enjoyed where this poem took you.

Chris

[red93]

Fabulous Chris - what lovely observations - you clearly have an affinity with these noble birds, as they glide gracefully around on yr beloved Thames.

Re yr home town, I went to Prep School near Wokingham, just down the road 👍👍👍👍👍

[Chris Shaw]

You be were literally just down the road Tony. Thank you for your encouragement. You have a generous spirit. Have a great Tuesday.

Chris

[red93]

I thought so re Pangbourne, in fact I believe our School, Ludgrove, used to play Pangbourne for Sports.

[Dave Brown]

Geese are not a bird to take lightly, even protecting as well as a watch dog, but there is not much to compare with doting parents leading a parade of little ones all in a row.

[Chris Shaw]

So true Dave. Wonderful to watch. Hope your Monday has been kind to you.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

The message is a good one and on point. As usual there is no quibble with your diction. I do think a less informational start may have improved the message, allowing the readers to form their conclusions.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciate your suggestions Winston. Thank you so much for your support and interest in my work. All the best.

Chris

[Andrew John]

Great mum! And it's a lovely observance of the swan here. Lovely description. Thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Andrew for stopping by. Have a great day.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Swans are very nurturing… like my grandmother Minnie with her brood of Six… they are all in Heaven now. Your poetry is ❤️ lovely.. softly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat for your lovely visit and uplifting words. Sending warm wishes across the pond.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Amazing I loved the ending too so original
Yes we need to protect the precious young more than ever these days
Beautiful nature descriptives Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Julie. Pleased you enjoyed the read. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Matthew Daalling]

taking a page out of a book of a swans life. That sounds so simple, you know. Swans, animals in general are such pure creatures. We could use alittle adv8ce from them.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for stopping by Matthew. I agree with you. There is much our species could learn from the behavior of swans. In fact we can learn a great deal from the animal kingdom. All the best.

Chris

[Matthew Daalling]

thank you chris. I couldn't agree with you more.

[Neville]

they are beautiful creatures aren't they .. I have only ever eaten one once, not a whole one of course and not in the UK .. I believe they pair for life and are very protective of their brood .. if I was one, I think I would rather be a cob than a pen .. which is odd for someone that spends so much time scribbling .. N :)

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Neville:) You’ve eaten swan? Now I have just about gotten over the shock and understand it wasn’t in the UK, did it taste like chicken? You are of course right, they mate for life and make wonderful caring and protective parents. I have been watching this pair for weeks since they started to build their nest in the reeds. Many thank yous for stopping by. Waiting for the cygnets to arrive.

Chris

[Neville]

only once .. honest and I thought it was either a big goose or a baby ostrich .. yes, tasted quite like wild goose .. cygnets are something else aren't they . I hear they taste like smoked eel in a mild sorrel sauce .. N :)

[Chris Shaw]

You are being very norty:)

[Neville]

.... a momentary lapse of reason :)