Summer was waiting in the wing, br To encroach upon the dying spring, br In a pond I saw this lovely thing br A little brown duckling. br br It was basking in the midday sun br Swimming in the water and having fun, br But, why was it alone? br Its siblings, I could see none. br br As I looked around a little further br Saw a duck, probably its mother, br Watching its child play with fear br Which may well be the last surviving one this year.br br Vikram G.