The Decoy
Before I could stop them, all the multicolored drakes took flight
so that when you, my darling, thought to stay I was so surprised
to notice your large, crested head and exquisitely spotted plumage
and the natural cork bark on your body which kept you afloat.
But when I nuzzled your iridescent green neck
and pecked at your wooden heart, you never responded back
and too late I realized your mating call came from a tape.
The product of a stupid hunter who thought I could be duped.
You stood behind a blind in the shelter of a wooded swamp
with a twelve gauge aimed at all our bobbing hearts.
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Anum Sattar