Ducks and me

 Up with the rising sun and out for a walk - also in the mood to do a bit of writing so looking for inspiration. 

There it was ,right before me - a single little brownish duckling, towards the corner of the lake. He was young and precautious, and he saw me for sure because he stared brazenly without flinching.

Oh, that guy was all alone and sure was having fun. He was not in need of any company either!

He was ducking and diving- bobbing in and out of the water and fluttering his wings every now and then. This was unadulterated relaxation fir him. 

He swirled and twirled, and did umpteen three sixties, while keeping a keen eye out for feline predators patrolling nearby. 

He then took a deep dive and emerged with something in his beak. Probably a morning snack ! He definitely saw me moving closer to take a photo, because he moved further, towards deeper water. He continued darting about, splashing and frolicking for a while, and then, like a mini speedboat departing, he swam away stealthy,leaving a pattern of tiny waves behind him. He was definitely making the best of the amazing weather. 

I walked on. I have a bit of a paunch I am trying to rid myself of so I increased my pace. 

Then at the other end of the lake , on a small ledge, beside a fountain, stood five white adult ducks. 

They had their backs to each other and seriously looked bored and dejected with life! I stood and observed them for a while . They stood motionless ,staring aimlessly.

There was no frolicking , no diving, no swimming , no fun. They fluffed their wings occasionally, while using their flat beaks to clean the feathers under their neck. Obviously more of a habit than a necessity.

All that was missing were their mobile phones, if you are able to make the connection!

Got me thinking of human beings.

It's fun when your young . You are bursting with energy and you're always raring to go. However, as you get older, you become dull, monotonous and uninspiring. You lose the spring in your step - the laughter dries up and you resign yourself to the years ahead- to pantaloons, slippers, spectacles and medication!

Don't let it be that way. Life is for those who truly want to live it.

And remember- you can have fun on your own as well, because at times, company can be boring. 

Forget about conforming to the expectations of society. If you want to have your 'me time', go ahead and have it. 

It's your life after all .

Am sure the next time you see ducks, you will think of my little story.