She nuzzles the egg with her beak, desperately hoping.
The egg is warm from the warmth of her belly.
If only she could cause her child to emerge using the fierce power of her will alone!
Her partner watches, the egg’s siblings at his side. The cygnets want to swim.
Eleanor Buffam is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and musician based in Leith, Edinburgh. Alongside short stories, she is currently co-writing a sci-fi trilogy.
This bought me to tears.
Thank you.
Wow! You’re welcome.
If only…
If only.
I raised ducks and chickens for 35 years so I totally relate to your story. When ducklings begin the process of coming out of their shell they will peep to one another in their shells. The ones who come out first stand next to the unhatched ones and peep encouragingly. It’s lovely to watch. And yes, not all of them hatch.
Oh wow! I’d love to have ducks someday. I live near the Water of Leith and it’s such a highlight in the spring to see all the ducklings, goslings, and cygnets.