Hide A White Swan

You can't hide a white swan
on a blue surface.

In any case,
I prefer that it is undeniably there.
Going about its business of being a swan
without ruffling the feathers of other creatures.

That's how it should be.
Sharing the space.
All getting along.

But, further along from here,
we came upon some rowdy geese
who, disregarding a sign that read

DO NOT FEED THE BIRDS

demanded to be fed.
Those unequivocal words
meant nothing to those birds.

And they had no manners.
They squabbled. They fought.
Surrounded the seed-toting tourists.

Feathers flew.
Or, if they didn't,
it looked like they were going to.

My respect for that dignified swan grew.

But then again,
I've never had to worry about
where my next meal is coming from.
If I had to compete for something to eat
perhaps I'd be more goose than swan?