the natural order of things

I don't really like going into Los Angeles. Traffic is horrible, people are rude, cement and industry are a-plenty. But there are a few things that can entice me to make the trek, including friends, food and the aforementioned Hollywood Bowl, and -- more than anything-- THIS place: 

.

and it always makes my day to go there, but last night was even more special...

There's a big reflecting pool in front of the temple, and when I was rushing by it in the afternoon on my way in, I noticed a Mallard duck just hanging out on the edge of the water. Perched on the cement rim right here, taking a look around as he sat in the shade of the tree. Probably just woke up from a little snooze.

That may not seem out of the ordinary, a "duck near water" isn't a revolutionary concept, but you have to understand-- while the temple grounds are the essence of tranquility and beautifully landscaped, they overlook THIS:

-A BUSTLING CITY. There is no wildlife-ridden Central Park nearby, and even our 'river' has been reduced to cement and a trickle. So how did this duck get here? WHY was he here? Where did he come from? Who tipped him off to the safe harbor of the awesome reflecting pool? (Where would he find food?)

I was enthralled and intrigued and not a just a little pepped up by the sight of a Mallard duck chilling by the pool, but since I had to get inside for my shift, I didn't stay to watch and see what he'd do next. Was therefore left to ponder these vital Life Questions on my own. And sad that we had to part-- figured he'd be gone soon, I mean come on-- there was no real food nearby except maybe some tiny frogs. I sure wouldn't stick around.

So, how great was it to come outside four hours later to see him stepping gingerly into the water just at that moment! and commence a lazy float-around.

And then, not thirty seconds later, as I was picking up speed so I could grab my camera from the car, I heard a loud QUACK and the ruffling of feathers-- and turned my head just in time to see a female hen Mallard come out of nowhere (the air) and land with a splash in the water, right next to the drake.

Dude. That drake has got it going ON, to be able to summon the ladies like that.

But then-- what happened next was priceless. The female may have followed/responded to the male's call, 

but for the rest of the time that I watched, she was nonchalantly swimming around and he was agitatedly following her.  AS IT SHOULD BE.

(and then they started grooming themselves, also appropriate :)

And then look at them here, swimming side by side, floating calmly in companionship, a union of two... don't think it escaped me that this was especially apropos, considering the setting. And don't think a little tear didn't escape my left eye. (It did).

Lucky.