Swans and Duck Together
We recently discovered a lake off the main road at a Jersey shore
town. Geese were relaxing under the shade of the few trees on the edge of the
lake while swans were enjoying a respite from the hot weather as they swam
around on the cool water.
Then a small duck appeared. It was alone, no other ducks
were obvious nearby, and seemed to be a young one. It swam toward the flock,
its dark feathers a contrast to the white of the swans. I wondered if they would
accept the little bird into their group but they didn’t look at all disturbed
by its presence. The duck became part of the flock as it moved further out on
the lake. It seemed as if the duck was identifying with the swans. So different
and yet it belonged. They all seemed comfortable together.
I thought of the immigrants who come to our country. There
are differences, yes, but traditionally we have accepted them. Are we changing
our generosity for politics? Have we forgotten that we were all immigrants at
one time? Swans and ducks are all birds. Americans and immigrants are all
people. If they can accept each other, surely we can do the same.
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