Trying to Get Near One Another
—for Victoria

While you are sleeping, a family of ducks
courses along the stream near hedge apples.
Darkness, for many hours, has added hues.
Perhaps it is by touch they find their way.

Were it not for car lights passing, already late,
none would see their heads turned sideways,
nor their treading, nor their moving mystery
which looks like trying to get near one another.

Nothing there is which doesn't persuade.
Awake from where the night has taken you
and step out on your deck. If unable to see,
then hear their huddled attempts on your behalf.

Copyright © 2002 Jeff Hardin All rights reserved
from Crab Creek Review, Autumn/Winter 2001
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission