Pecan Island

The sun’s glamorous rays
break through the early morning fog
like arrows through air.
I sit in a blind,
wiggling my toes to keep warm
from winter’s defiant chill.
The lab returns from the pond
with the fresh scent of mud on her back.
The sun fades my invisibility
and animals are aware of my presence.
My deepest regards to the numerous teal
that have fallen to the bangs and blasts
of my shotgun—
but the taste of fresh duck is unforgiving

Parker Reaux, age 14
Lafayette, Louisiana
L.J. Alleman School
Teacher: Harriet Maher