The gulls and pelicans fly in swarms,
for a bite to fill their beaks-
One lonely stray floats aside,
age drained, hungry and weak.

His eye it glistened as though he knew,
his time on Earth had passed-
A tiny morsel to strengthen his courage,
to make his way home at last.

The waters danced in rhinestone splendor,
kissing the intruding bow-
Our time too has passed with ease,
and rest is calling now.

The live well filled with dinner's treat,
nature bidded us night-
But as the sunset low on Eagle Bay,
the old mallard conceded his fight.

I'll remember forever his tiny round eye,
pleading for his final meal-
With all his fears of nature's indifferences,
forced quiet and still.

The deep blue water holds my dreams,
and the memories of this peaceful day-
Tears I shared with one old mallard,
here, at Eagle Bay.