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Mother Duck
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​This heartfelt poem by Luke Western was inspired by a duck nesting in his garden. Over a month, Luke and his family observed "Mother Duck" through a Green Feathers wildlife camera, capturing her journey.
The poem was written shortly after Luke published his debut children's book, The Best Nest Contest.
His love for wildlife has clearly passed on to his children, who provide a wonderful reading of this piece.
Enjoy the charming footage and the brilliant narration by three enthusiastic seven-year-olds!
Mother Duck
By Luke Western
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Hidden in leaves, in our garden of green,
mother duck nestles, hard to be seen,
feathers like twigs, she hides without trace,
protecting her clutch, in her safe little space.
Once we came near, she fluttered in fright,
but she overcame fear, returning by night,
when she flew off, she left a surprise,
treasure was hiding, before our eyes.
Fourteen eggs she’d laid, all on her own,
all day and all night, she stays alone.
No matter the time, and no matter the weather,
she sits hoping one day, they all be together.
For thirty long days, she kept them warm,
leaving only briefly, at dusk and at dawn,
to stretch her wings, and her legs,
feed herself, then back to her eggs.
One sunny day, as the sky turned grey,
we spotted a duckling, ready to play,
one turned to thirteen, maybe one more to come?
Her dedication rewarded, as a wonderful mum.
Now she’ll sit with them, as they get ready to go,
then she’ll lead them to water, where they’ll learn and grow,
for two months they’ll be, under her watchful eye,
please come back and visit, but for now it’s goodbye.