the late summer heat
relaxes the Chagrin River for ducks
they glide, unhurriedly floating along
with fuzzies
from looming maple trees

we sit at the water's edge
the crumbling sandstone step
the metal head mallards 
swim over for crumbs
lips and tongues meet
blend together, contentment
seen through the scope of us
children giggle, fatten the ducks,
drooping ice cream on cones
dribble dirt-trail cheeks,
on this lazy-hazy perfect day,
the evening flames rosy--
dot calm