sitting on the edge
of a crystal clear pond
wallowing in my sorrow
lamenting my bad day

a mallard duck swims
towards me
no bread crusts
to offer
the duck quacks loudly
then lectures me
on my bad mood

he orders me to
observe my surroundings
and cherish the moment
the warmth of the sun
the coolness of the water
the soft breeze on my
shoulders

my head hangs low
embarressed by this
colorful mallard
full of wisdom

he sits with me
and flaps wet wings
tells me to be positive
returns to the water
bobs for fish

I see my duck therapist
often at the pond
paying him in fish
and bread crusts

advice to be heard
and heeded
wisdom from nature