The duck...

It is a long walk from the parking spot to the metro. The large duck was located in the middle of the road, about 2-3 feet from the walkway. The pedestrians took the trouble to cross over to the opposite side before passing it. It lay all curled up – the way ducks do when they are sleeping while floating in the water – you could not see its head because it had folded its neck back and all curled up – as if it was hiding its face.

It looked like someone had packed a bundle of clothes in a black and white sheet and left it in the middle of the road.

Perhaps that’s how ducks sleep – except it was bright daylight and not its usual sleep time.

Was it even alive?

Upon closer approach, the doubt was removed – the feathers appeared to be moving as if it heaved – and there was a light whistling sound as if it were trying to sing to itself.

A bit surprised, I walked further down – where the entrance road turns parallel to the parking lot edge and the large yellow diamond warning sign contains the simple message – Ducks Crossing.

We all drive by it while leaving the lot – almost everyone slows down there.

But not everyone!

The black and white feathers were spread all over the left side of the sign. There was a brown smear next to it and on its right side lay the latest victim – crushed horribly and no more able to care for itself!

Or for its partner!

As I turned and looked at the other duck back there, it still lay still – still not showing its face.

Do ducks cry in silence?

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