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Poems From Bard to Verse

by Mel Wade

Webster's Ductionary of Word Gooseage

It struck me one day as I threaded my way
Through my own backyard droppings of geese
That expressions in use often relate to the goose
(as I slipped on deposits of “grease.”)

Please excuse fowl expressions as I put down impressions
That feature this bountiful bird.
And along with this trend, a fine feathered friend-
the duck- has enriched every word.

One can be “loose as a goose” using drink as excuse
And “ruffle some feathers” of friends.
You perhaps feel “just ducky” and even get lucky
Not worrying who it offends.

With political hacks, we find many quacks
“Ducking an issue” or duty.
We find some “lame ducks”, “raking some mucks”
And leaving with much of the booty.

Some “spread their wings”, and don’t admit things
Even when under attack.
They show honest faces and explain “wild goose chases”
Just “like water falls off a duck’s back.”

“If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck------”
(Another political plea)
But whatever the reason, this political season
Was not what “ ‘twas quacked up to be.”

I take a gander again, with a bit of chagrin
At expressions involving these birds.
Goosebumps are raised, just as gaggles are hazed
When I think of the wealth of these words.

It is “duck soup” to find a “web site” behind
Our house as I duck walk to the river.
So “honk if you’ve heard” another such word
Before your next bite of goose liver.

I will sit by my light (Gooseneck lamp) for insight
While listing my ganderous glossary.
Anything’s fair, such as “wing and a prayer”,
Just as long as I am not sounding Chaucery.

I may introduce the Real Mother Goose
Peking duck, or “birds of a feather”,
“Duck, duck goose”, a game quite obtuse
Or “for ducks it’s pretty good weather”.

But someone thinks I’m verbose and wants me to close
My list of graham quackers and quips
Of “Unlimited Duck”, I find my mouth stuck
With a strip of duct tape on my lips.

Here's what Mel Wade had to say about his latest creation:
"Well, here is the unpublished poem created for your "web" site.
Remember both ducks and geese love corn."
Would you like to add to this "Ductionary?" e-mail Mel with "additions.."

Reprinted here with the kind permission of the author Mel Wade - ©  December 28, 1997

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All poems are the original creation of Mel Wade and may not be reprinted without his written permission.
E-mail Mel Wade at:  melwade at execpc dot com

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Last updated: Thursday, September 11, 2003