Once more they come, once more

At dawn's early light, when all is still

They sneak into our park

Intent on their kill

Shotguns all primed

Speed boats at the ready

Keep back the public

Steady boys steady

Their foe is cornered

Unable to escape

A dangerous opponent

And they just cannot wait

The first shot rings out

Sending a crack in the dawn

Five or six more

The silence is torn

Brave hunters are these

The best of the best

This opponent can strike

They are put to the test

So who are these men

and what do they seek

with shotguns and boats

Their silence they keep

The Ruddy Duck is their target

It has evil intentions

A dangerous opponent

Whose crime no one mentions

Under government directions

They blast away all the day

The more ducks they kill

The more we all pay

So let's raise a glass

to these brave and bold men

Or perhaps maybe not

Just take up your pen

Write to your MP and DEFRA in the main

For they are responsible

For all the killing and pain

Based on false science

And in all of our names

To wipe out a species

Is their ultimate aim

Now a Mandarin Duck

So loved by everyone

Has been killed by these men

RIP my little friend Ying Tong

KEITH MIDDLETON Mile End Road Colwick Village