Where sylvan boscage meets the placid stream
The floating palette wakes a morning dream
The Mandarin drake is vivid and blazing bright
In shining copper, gold and regal iris dight.
Its sail-bound plumes tilt like amber wings
A royal grace around the shadow rings
With whiskered ruff of chestnut, bronze and green
Had draped their silks upon a solitary scene.
High in the hollow of a patriarchal tree
Untouched by stream drifting to the sea
They build an abode where wild shadows soar
Quite far above the river’s quiet shore.
When the egg shell breaks open to the air
They dive from heights under the mother’s care
Now the tiny nestlings brave the open space
Tumbling unharmed to start the water’s race.
Bound by the bond of courtship’s gentle dance
The mandarins glide where river-mirrors glance
Emblem of faith through art and ancient lore
A classic symbol on a quiet shore.
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