The Tune of a Common Loon

I am an agile swimmer
But a clown with too-big feet on land.

I mate and hatch my speckled eggs
On peaceful grassy shores.

I want my home in fresh pure water
No muddy ponds or grimy lakes.

I show you black above the surface
My snowy breast I hide below.

With shining scarlet eyes
I’m always on the lookout.
When I coo or wail
It’s a message for my kin:

“Where are you?”
“Beware the eagle!”
“Away! This domain is mine!”
“Oh, what a peaceful day!”

From year to year
My duty is to bear
Chicks to train
So they’ll survive
This wild chaotic planet.

Thus, teach your chicks
To respect and protect
The environment that we share,
So we can all be
Swimmers,
Clowns, and
Faithful stewards.

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