This is a poem that I wrote recently. As a cancer survivor, I found myself, once again, waiting nervously on follow-up results. During that time, I wondered about the little Black Ducks and what keeps them going. In my hometown of Hodge's Cove, Trinity Bay, they can be found all winter long, in the icy waters of the pond or in the salt water. Ducks have always been a source of happiness and wonder for me and on my daily walks, I love watching them.

Thankfully, the results were good and this poem came to life.

Little Black Duck

by Georgi Drover

What keeps you going,

Sweet little duck of black,

When the winter chill sets in

And the snow falls on your back?

When the cold winds blow,

Where do you find the courage?

Spending your days, head under water

To go bottoms-up and forage.

Does the frost make you tougher,

Do you have burdens to bear?

Do you have trouble sleeping,

Or do you live life without a care?

Do you sweat the small stuff,

Do you secretly pray?

Or do you accept your lot in life,

And take it day by day?

How does it feel

To spread your wings and fly?

Do you leave all your troubles behind,

When you soar across the sky?

Where do you find joy?

Do you ever find peace?

Danger is lurking all around you,

Does the fear ever cease?

Do you greet every morning

With a happy tail wag and quack?

Not fret about the future

And try never to look back?

What can you teach me about life,

My fine feathered friend?

Is it to focus on this moment

And not worry so much about the end?