Saw a Duck the Other Day

“Saw a Duck the Other Day.” “Saw a duck the other day.” That was all she said. An invitation? A question? A glimpse into another world? “Saw a duck the other day.” No explanation, just that quizzical face looking at me from the back seat, smiling in the rear view mirror. “Saw a duck the other day.” Brilliant, I thought, a conversation starter and stopper in one line. How does one respond? I could try the usual. “What was he wearing?” “Was he waiting for the bus?” “Was he heading south?” No. None of those would fit. We had played this game too often. At first she would just look up, smile that impish smile. In time she would engage me in our game of mental tag. “Saw a duck the other day.” her simply stated “You’re it!” So when you hear a voice behind you see the rear view mirror eyes remember there’s a game afoot regardless of their size. John G. Lawless 11/28/2013 submitted to – Any Old Poem #5 – Poetry Contest sponsor – SKAT A