Like a Duck

Sometimes, I think about weird stuff, like ducks.

"If it looks like a ____, quacks like a ____, and walks like a ____, it's a ____."

"_____, _____, Goose!"

"Like a ______ out of water."

"Look Out!  ____!!"

How's it going?  "Oh, just ____y."

"It doesn't bother me, it's like water off a ____'s back."

"Rubber ____y, you're the one. You make bath time lots of fun."

There's something about our fine - feathered and web-footed friend that lends itself to analogies, games, cliches, warnings, and music.

The best phrase for my money is the description of how they move... smooth as silk on top of the water while paddling furiously below the surface.

It seems somewhat obvious that if something looks, sounds, and walks like something that it would be that thing - but sometimes we might be surprised.

Speaking of surprised, I'm not sure if kindergarten and first graders still play duck - duck - goose, or why it is a goose must get up and chase the name caller around the circle.

If there's something flying at your head, why not yell, "Get down," pointing out waterfowl might prompt some folks to look around and even crane their neck.

Most of the time, in my experience, if someone says things are just ducky, they are usually being sarcastic.  If it's hunky - dory, then they are feeling fine.

It's a testament to someone's perseverance and adaptability if they can deal with adversity and sudden change with the ease of rain on a duck's back that ruffles nary a feather.

But, my good friend Ernie knew the best place for a duck was in the bathtub.  Someone who could make us laugh when soap got in our eye, and could make us laugh with a little squeeze.

Soon we'll be seeing mama ducks escorting their broods across busy city streets to nearby ponds or being rescued by rescue units when a duckling gets trapped in a storm drain.

With all these sayings attributed to the pluck of the duck - there is no doubt some country wisdom to be gleaned from how it goes downstream with the flow; flies in the V formation, and is sure to flock together when all seems down.

But, maybe they aren't so philosophical and just taste good when served a l'orange.