Advent flight

The ducks swim in the gaps between the ice
Cold blooded , yet kept warm by fluffy down
The river looks uncertain in this light

The sky hangs down a curtain of snow white
The sun, precocious, shines and then it frowns
The ducks swim in the gaps between the ice

Ah, think of Morecambe Bay in sunshine bright
Across the sea the Pikes stand out so proud
My river looks uncertain in this light

Britain’s mountains fierce attract like vice
Like alcohol or sex or low cut gown
Unknowing ducks swim on despite thick ice

Thanks to God for hearing and for sight
The mystery is the Love which was disowned
My river looks so cold as comes twilight

Here is Bethlehem, the little town
Where Christ was born and grew to be cut down
The ducks swim by, the swans walk on the ice
Look up and see the geese in Advent flight