Under his wing

In honour of a swan named George Junior, who adopts whenever he can.

The goslings call for Mum and Dad,
but no one comes. The day draws on
and on. They peck the lily pads
and call again. The sun upon
the water wavers, starts to set.
Their calls grow louder. They begin
to paddle faster, fuss and fret;
their golden down is glistening.
But what is this? A rush, a swell,
a snort, a greeting, beak on beak.
A different dad? A mum as well,
while seven silver siblings peek.
The light turns pink; it's time to rest.
Their new dad tucks them in to nest.