the campus ducks

ducks wouldn't fly south for the winter, i don't think

if i could just convince them that the snow isn't so bad.

because why would you want to go south for the winter,

i would ask them

(if there was no language barrier

or feathery disposition between us),

when there are men of snow to build

and frozen ponds like frosted glass

to slip and slide

and skate on?

why make that daunting journey

between mountains, over seas

when you will find when you arrive

a reminiscent summer breeze?

sometimes you want to run, i know

and warm horizons and equators beckon

like tendrils of flame

the idea of somewhere different like a beautiful mirage

ever evasive and alluring

but if you move from place to place without adapting,

it's not migrating

it's escaping.

so yes, i think i'd like to keep the ducks throughout the winter

they'll learn to nuzzle close and fight for warmth and

battle out the cold

because we all could use reminding that going south for every winter

couldn't change the cycling seasons or

prevent the falling snow.