Poems of the Week

Ducking Out

by Ruth S. Baker

China will not send ducks to tackle locusts in Pakistan, says expert
—The Guardian

It was a painful choice to make. The finest minds were focused
In China and in Pakistan on Operation Locust;
But though it seemed an altogether providential plan,
There’ll be no Chinese locust-eating ducks in Pakistan.

Now ducks, we know, are not just cute and suitable for hugs:
They have a culinary taste for predatory bugs.
Alas, while this seems promising, the climate in Karachi
For any sort of waterfowl is dangerously parchy.

O locusts louse up any agricultural locale:
This Moses knew, as many others did and do and shall;
But now the thing’s decided: we must bear it as we can:
There’ll be no Chinese locust-eating ducks in Pakistan.