DIANE SCHULLER is the editor of Cenotaph Pocket Edition. Her stories, vignettes, and poetry have appeared (or will appear) in such venues as Canadian Stories, Painted Poetry, Palimpsest, The Green Tricycle, Lingerings, Horsethief's Journal, ATA Magazine, Blindman Valley Horizon, and on CBC Radio.

                                             mallard morning in the peace


The mottled-brown female led the way, with her drake waddling closely behind.  It reminded me of an old couple sauntering down a mall.  They waddled along, swinging their tapered rear ends from side to side, like a housemaid sweeping floors.  The tranquil morning sun glistened upon the drake's gleaming emerald head and neck - sporting his Sunday best.  Plain Jane swaggered across the meadow heading slowly, but determined, toward the lazy boughs of the spruce grove.  Just like a couple entering an Open House, the two hesitated at the threshold checking in all directions before proceeding into the cathedral of the grove.  No doubt, as they entered the shadows and protection of the boughs, they must have been considering what a perfect home this might be.

It doesn't appear they'll put an offer on the place.  Seems they prefer a waterfront property.

                                                                  # # #

Copyright © 2001 Diane Schuller

This is the winning postcard story of under 100 words conducted by the Writers Guild of Alberta for the month of July 2001 sponsored by Red Deer Press.