On Dappling Pond

Summary

"On Dappling Pond" is a reflective poem that celebrates the natural beauty and diversity of ducks, juxtaposing the vibrant mandarin duck with the more subdued Muscovy, and is inspired by the author's ornithology studies.

Abstract

The poem "On Dappling Pond" is a vivid depiction of the striking contrast between two species of ducks: the mandarin duck, with its resplendent colors and majestic appearance, and the Muscovy duck, which seems almost disapproving of the mandarin's flamboyant display. The author, reminiscing about their college studies in ornithology, uses rich imagery to explore the concept of beauty in the natural world. The mandarin duck is described in detail, with its white half-moon, blue crest, and tawny wings, while the Muscovy's reaction to the mandarin's colorful plumage adds a touch of humor and personality to the piece. The poem serves as a testament to the author's fascination with birds, a theme that frequently appears in their work.

Opinions

The author finds the mandarin duck's appearance to be exceptionally beautiful and majestic, using phrases like "maple majesty lace" and "Enlightened, resplendent, spectacular."
There is a playful tone in the author's speculation about the tools nature used to paint the ducks, comparing them to artist's brushes.
The Muscovy duck is portrayed as being comically disturbed by the mandarin duck's extravagant use of color.
The author values the diversity and character of different bird species, as indicated by the contrasting descriptions of the mandarin and Muscovy ducks.
The poem reflects the author's appreciation for their ornithology education and the lasting impact it had on their perspective and creative work.

On Dappling Pond

a poem

Mandarin duck, compliments of Pexels

White, crisp half-moon, the blue crested melt to ruddy hind swoop. Tawny wings tucked under, belted by royal blue. Sleek chest, brazen blue as ocean-deep. Neck ringed in maple majesty lace. Enlightened, resplendent, spectacular.

All nature’s paintbrushes! Were they hog hair or badger? Were they rinsed clean in muddy waters encircled by sawgrass; sandy-fawn stippled?

The mandarin navigates, whisper-smooth and waggle, the Carolina grasswort; rising variegated greens wind-bent and skyward. Mucsovy regards the radiant fowl, disturbed at such reckless abuse of color… for one dappling duck? Pinkish beak dipped under, up with a snail? A snail! Vexed, perturbed, Muscovy waddles, plops with a splash and a glide, nature’s sculptor’s pride, its gnarly head held high.

Muscovy duck, Robin McDaniel

When I was in college working toward my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, I was fortunate to be able to take a class in Ornithology. You will often find bird motif in my work, reminiscent of this inspiring time of my education. I hope you have enjoyed On Dappling Pond, a quirky look at the variance of “beauty” among the ducks — apparently some of them quite snarky about it!