We suspect that the poor ducksters lay their eggs on our side of the fence because they've figured out that the fairy god mother did not take away their precious eggs to protect and nurture the young ducklings. Oh no no... They were stolen. And eaten! Horrors...
Then there is Mala. Mala is illiterate. Has three kids. A husband currently without a job. She makes a meager living out of menial work. Her whole existence is devoted to feeding her family. She hasn't the luxury of having higher aspirations; she has a family to keep alive. Sometimes her menial work does not bring in enough. Then she falls back on handouts. She's well informed about any event organised to help the needy. She comes back empty handed as many times as she comes back with a coconut, a kilo of rice, or some grams of dhal. Mala does some of our garden work; sometimes.
Mala is thrilled with the eggs. One egg is not enough to feed her family. She waits until the duck lays two eggs. That day is a happy day for Mala.
The duck doesn't lay any more. It just sits there. The drake wobbles about her. I see them in the mornings. I'm told that Mala continues to look for eggs.
urped by gumz @ 9:45 PM
