Duck On Duty

As I strolled along Bournemouth Beach, soaking in the salty breeze and the crunch of sand beneath my feet, a bright yellow object practically yelled for my attention. It was impossible to ignore, a rubber duck, sitting proudly on the sand, crowned with a shell that was clearly intended to resemble a cap. Someone out there had a sharp sense of humor because right beside the duck, etched into the sand, were the words: “Coastal guard reporting for duty.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the pure charm of the scene. The absurdity was delightful, yet, in some strange way, there was also something abstractly beautiful about it. The vibrant yellow of the duck against the muted beige of the sand, the natural curves of the shell adding character to the quirky figure, and the playful shadow cast by the low sun, all of it came together to create a moment that felt both simple and profound.

This little scene, likely created by a stranger with a lighthearted spirit, reminded me of the unexpected joy and humor we can find when we take the time to notice the little details around us. In that moment, the beach became more than just a landscape; it was a canvas, and this duck, with its “duty,” was the art.

— T-Lodge