Carrie Ortel Journal 5

I get the same view every day, and serve the same purpose.  People sit on me.  Some are new lovers, some kids showing their parents their new home, and even some cramped runners.  Everyone seems to think this is a beautiful view, but I’d like to know what the rest of the world looks like to compare.  I have been here for years, seen it snow, the same flowers bloom, people sweat, and seen the same trees lose their leaves.  I know the path is behind me, but that’s just because people also sneak up on me, coming from one common direction.  I see the road, and the cars coming and going, and a fair amount of golf carts, but to where they are going is a mystery.  From the conversations I have listened to, I know more about Virginia Tech and the campus life students live, but I have never seen most of what they talk about.  It seems to be an exciting place, but all I see are ducks and wandering people.  I thought I had the ducks as friends, but then they used me as a bathroom.  I seem to be constantly dependent for others to rely on, but don’t get much in return.  I hope one day the gardeners turn me around, and even if I am in the same spot, I will get a new view on life.

   

       Why do people think my name is “the ugly duckling”? They insult me, but then feed me.  I would leave and look for a place with people who appreciate my unique look, but the food keeps coming, and its so good!  I have heard people say it’s the best campus food in the nation, not that I know what campus is, but I must agree, it does have good food!  I have lived here my whole life, with the same other ducks.  Our flock is lucky to call this place home, with so many nice people who feed us like its their job.   I have heard horror stories of ducks eating only the food they catch, with no bread or crackers.  Crunchy bread is my favorite!

My sister has a broken wing, but because we are treated so well here, we are still safe.  All the dogs are on leashes, and the people just want to feed us and watch us.  We will put on a good show, don’t you worry.  Our favorite act is swimming in line and singing. 

     

                Some say I’m nocturnal, but really I just don’t have to work when the sun is out.  I am working full blast in the rain, and the snow, but of course at night.  The line of my friends and I provide safety to all the people coming to enjoy the duck pond, making sure that it is a place with a positive image.  Some of us are yellow, some blue, but we all have the same goal, to make sure nothing happens to you.  My blue friends have wires to the police, and promises that within three minutes an officer will be there.  My yellow friends and I are more old fashion, but also more common.  We help you see, making sure you don’t trip and that nothing is around you that you don’t know about.  Safety is always the number one priority, which is why my friends and I are so important.  Although the duck pond is a pretty place, if it wasn’t safe it would not be enjoyable.

Points of View: Park bench, ugly duckling, emergency pole/ light