This park is a very pleasant place to be on a wonderful spring afternoon. I feel safe. The sun is bright, and it feels so good on my skin. I am calm inside; everything is perfect.

There are couples sitting on park benches, dogs in obedience training, people walking and sounds of children playing. It is a perfect opportunity for this intruder (me with and my camera) to capture the perfect shot.

I turn my lens to the wildlife, and I am in awe of what fills my frame. All of a sudden, I see these three beautiful mallard ducks running toward me. I’m sure it’s not me they are interested in. No, they are blinded by pure, raw desire.

I see what is surely a female duck running, desperately wanting to escape, She has the three males in pursuit, but there is no use trying to escape. They are successful.

The first drake takes her, then the second. The last also takes what he wants from her and just leaves her wondering what to do next. She shakes herself and continues on with her afternoon as if nothing ever happened. While I just stand there, aghast, I realize I have just witnessed a gang bang.

I no longer feel safe. I feel a sudden change in the sun. Shadows fall and clouds appear; dusk is setting in. I want to get out of there. I want and need to be safe or at least feel safe again, fast. I need to hurry, racing against the next inescapable thoughts to cloud my judgment and come barreling in, uninvited.