duckable

Some branches weren't duckable and there was nothing to do but close my eyes and shield myself with an arm. Mesquite thorns sliced into my hands, neck and face.

The elegant image remained, though imprinted in a child so small as to be easily portable by a stout nurse, I remember, and not less easily duckable; I gasp again, and was long to gasp, with the sense of salt immersion received at her strong hands.