AFLAC
All spring I have waited for this day. This day -- which in past years has been marked by a downpour or threatening weather of some sort -- which marks the return of our two pet ducks.
So early this morning, instead of spending seven of my precious minutes packing a lunch or ironing my shirt I spent it sitting on the steps of our apartment, watching the drake of the couple pace animatedly in front of our windows and patio door. Normally the miniature valley outside our apartment is flooded by this time of year and he is content to float in the standing water, picking at miniscule bits of dinner. But today he was upset, squawking up a storm and pacing as if he was expecting me to open the door and let him in. I watched his head float past the window and back until he finally perched himself on the cement in front of the glass and pecked at the screen. The humor of it all sparked a revelation and finally, three years after our first meeting, I’ve decided to name him. From this day forth – and thanks to conventional advertising – he is known as AFLAC. Out of irony, I’ve considered naming his mate State Farm or something of the sort, but her demeanor is more cool and collected; hardly worthy of a bigwig botch job like State Farm. So for now she’ll remain unnamed and hopefully, barring any interference from Friday, the couple will occasionally return to our door.

posted by paula 10:34 AM