Phrase Writers Group

During July and August 2021 I took part in a writing workshop organised by local best-selling author Leigh Russell (leighrussell.co.uk).

Each week we were given optional homework.

Write a scene with two points of view

FEEDING THE DUCKS

Sophie and Louise were back in their comfort zone. Their favourite cafe, actually, of that name. Where they enjoyed their weekly music rehearsal. Before adjourning upstairs came the important business of cake and chat.

“What wicked delights are you having?” declared Louise.

Sophie pondered. Both scrutinised the menu every week, then almost invariably went for the same. “Watercress and cucumber salad is my usual” she said, “but let’s go mad today. How about sharing their giant tea cake?”

“I’m trying to be careful” replied Louise. “No more doughnuts. All that junk food did me no good. But hey, why not? Just this week.”

“Quite right” said Sophie. “The occasional indulgence is fine. Just not every week.”

The hovering waitress took off with their order.

“How are your daily walks?” asked Sophie.

“Going well” said Louise. “Every day walking round the lakes in the park. Enjoying Mother Nature and the lake wildlife. Back in May there were plenty of baby ducks, goslings and young swans. Cygnets, I think they’re called.”

Sophie nodded. “I read in the local paper that the ducks are disappearing.”

“Yes I saw that. But no shortage with the ducklings growing up. I’m playing my part. Take a big bag of leftover bread every day and feed them. They gobble it up, especially Mr and Mrs Swan!”

“Hmm” mused Sophie. “You know bread isn’t good for ducks and their friends. Fills them up without the necessary nutrients. Much better to take peas, sweetcorn, oats and bird seed. Some shops sell bags of mixed bird food.”

“Phooey” replied Louise. “I remember you at school. Haunting the local bakery at closing time till they gave you leftover bread. Parading round the park, throwing torn chunks to anything with feathers. They followed you like the Pied Piper.”

“That was then” said Sophie. “RSPB website told me what’s best for birds.”

“RPSB? Remind me.”

“RSPB. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds” Sophie replied.

“I’ve found that animals know what’s good for them. Only eat what they need. Our neighbour’s cat is very fussy” said Louise.

“Well dogs and cats are fed regularly” commented Sophie. “Some are spoilt rotten. I’ve seen a few portly pooches and massive moggies. Ducklings, goslings and cygnets are taught how to forage by their parents. It’s hard continuous work. Little wonder they are so enthusiastic about freebies. But there’s too much.”

“I think you protest too much” said a thoughtful Louise. “I too have read about feeding feathered friends. Like junk food, a little of what you fancy is ok.”

“In small doses, once a week” agreed Sophie. “Providing they augment their diet by hunting for themselves. Rather too easy to go with the endless free food. And leftover bread attracts rats.”

“OK, I’ll buy some bird seed” said Louise. “Ah, here’s our tea cake and pot of tea. Looks scrummy. Now before we go upstairs for our rehearsal, let’s decide where we’re eating on Friday night.”

“Fancy going to that new Chinese restaurant?” asked Sophie. “It’s near the park. Had a takeaway from there the other day. Avoid the aromatic crispy duck though. Tasted just like bland boring bread.”