The loudest goose yelled—
I thought we were flying south
where no lakes are filled
with icy cold water.
This is not acceptable!
I’m not getting in.
The lead goose replied sternly—
You must remember
we are geese from Canada.
This is Virginia
which is quite obviously
south of Canada.
Close your eyes, dive in
and stop your honking complaints!
It won’t be that bad
after you get used to it.
The water is warmer here.
After the scolding,
all of the geese jumped in
without another word
and they swam quietly until
the same complaining goose said—
Wait, this can’t be right.
I’m in a honking panic!
What if my legs freeze?
What if I can’t feel my feet?
I won’t be able to swim
and I might drift away
never to be found again
and….and….and…..
it will be all your fault
for bringing me here!
The lead goose remained quiet.
It seems in each group
there is always one or more
with ruffled feathers
and a honking attitude! ~ms
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Before I Forget 
Lovely story!
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I forgot to tell you….I LOVE honking attitudes!!!
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Hahaha….thank you.
Over the years, I am sure we have all had the opportunity to be or meet a honker at least once or twice (or more).
That’s what made it kind of fun to write. 🙂
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Quite a lot of these Canadians living in Virginia! But it’s all right, and when the water ices over, they’ll have every reason to honk. 🙂
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There were a couple hundred geese hanging out in Fawn Lake, and they were pretty noisy. If I was a Canada goose and I was taking the time to fly south, I think I would fly ja little bit further and hang out in warm, sunny Florida for the winter! But wait…ummm….in Florida, there are alligators in the water. That might be a lot worse than dealing with icy water.
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Thanks for your comments and linking to my blog. I love your poems and photos. They are both humorous and inspiring. Keep writing!
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Thank you. Your info on the Canada goose made me smile.
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very beautiful pictures
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Quite a sound and sight, it was!
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Wow…. Lovely Honking Attitude ❤ Nice Poem 😀
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Thank you!
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
I like geese…can’t you tell?—Jonathan
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I posted my reply in the wrong place, so I don’t know if you saw it.
Here ’tis again (in the right position). 🙂
People who live around this lake have a love/hate relationship with the geese. All agree that the geese are beautiful when they are swimming in the lake or flying in formation through the sky. But when they gather in a gaggle in people’s yards, honking loudly and pooping everywhere….well ummm….the relationship between man and goose gets a little strained.
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Very good, keep the mind working!
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Thanks!
That’s what I am trying to do…
Before I Forget….
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wow…nice post..thanks for sharing and for visiting my post dear 🙂
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Thanks Kavita!
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Thanks for the amusing parable. 😀
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Thank you. Sometimes I am like the honking goose…worrying about everything. Which I know does no good at all. And yet, I worry. 😉
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I enjoyed this post Mary – I too observe and listen to those geese and they often end up as subjects in my posts. I love their attitude and I once took bread to the park where I walk – the geese finished off that bag of crumbed-up bread and then a second flock descended and marched over to me for THEIR bread. I had no more and they charged after me. I disappeared into a group of women walkers – whew!
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Yes…it is rather scary and funny experience at the same time.
They will come after you, no doubt about it!!
Better have on good running shoes. 🙂
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Yes, they show you no mercy and I was chased by a huge male Mute Swan too. I was only taking pictures of him and (likely) his mate. He came close to the shoreline and was snorting a little as he paddled in the water – he had been diving so I assumed it was cold and he had water in his nose. Next thing I knew he stomped onto land and started after me … I was imaging where I could go and had the good sense to toss out some peanuts which I always have on hand and he stopped to eat them – who knew. You can see him eating them near the end of this post: https://lindaschaubblog.net/2018/03/04/brr-burrs-and-birds/
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