In the lavender mist of cool spring dusk

I kissed your lips and sighed

You looked at me with wondering eyes

I looked away at the duckling’s march

Yellow feathered bottoms upright and determined

You were looking at my shoes worn and ruined

I turned to see the mother duck push her ducklings

into the warm hay hut and sleep

You were grinding your eyes at my worn tweed coat

a button missing

You reached in your pocket and opened your hand

Buttons and buttons, buttons some grand

Was this an act of charity or simple despair?

I have buttons at home, I said, and your’s only have three holes

Your lips pursed tight, Your face paled with dread

You turned and walked into the lavender mist

I watched you for a moment then went to see the ducks

Tightly gathered under mother’s fluff

All in all, the evening had been sweet

A lavender spring with young ducks to eat……