Perhaps : This was too densely compressed, the Swan being likened to a (far) cousin of the duck genus and a caterpillar chrysalis in one go, recalling the tale of the "ugly duckling"
Clearly the mark of a genius.: Clearly the mark of a genius. It's absolutely exceptional, the awkward first stanza, and then the scene conjures beautifully with just a couple perfectly placed words, and the last line that commands a full swing bringing you back up to the title for a sort of ouroboros epiphany!!! Unbelievable, dude, and it was certainly a honor to have had the privilege to witness.
Oh, God, this is just: Oh, God, this is just awesome. The emotion goes full throttle. Heart wrenching in all the right ways. The kaleidoscopic kiln, redemption by memory.
Question: was it your: Question: was it your intention to invoke a very vampiric sense of dread? Again, I love the rubber ducky and the contrast it endows to the otherwise rather eerie nature of the poem.
Ahhh, there's that flawless: Ahhh, there's that flawless dialogue. You hit all the right notes. The hammer swings, the brass bell dings! Hi-score! You know it's good when you couldn't delineate if it's fact or fiction. The grace of language blends the mundance with your signature sparkle, sister. Yup.
duckling's cousin...: duckling's cousin... interesting... i suppose they do both flutter, one maybe more so than the other... but ducks flounder not just in flight but say as they may be bathing in a lake... lots of big words followed with that last line of sudden punching whimsy to seal the deal...
That amazing figurine avatar: That amazing figurine avatar is what drew me to view your page, and let me tell you what follows does not disappoint!! Congatulations, you gained a fan today.