The world stopped when i saw her, with her beautiful white wings and black beak. She sat perched on a balcony, her wings open and shimmering, almost silver. I gave in to my desires and decided I would watch her, since it was already a very dull, rainy day and flying around was harder than usual.
She sat there very still, even when it rained, and thundered, and the breeze almost threw her off. Unlike the sky, she looked happy. I finally mustered up the courage to approach her. I opened my dark wings, as black as the dirt bags around the building, and felt the other birds move away from me. I’m used to this, as a vulture. It is always the same, wherever I go, but I must enter the city for food. I know I would scare her as well, since she is simply a gentle pigeon, but I could not stop myself from flying towards her. I landed beside her as softly as possible, my wings almost knocking her off as we were very close.
I was surprised when I realized she made no move at all. She simply smiled at me and bowed deeply as though she had been waiting for me, or for someone like me. I wanted to protect her then, it would not be very hard to do so. I am strong.
After some hours she looked at me full of anticipation and asked me how long she would have to wait before I would eat her. She did not look afraid, she only looked small and happy. I was confused by this expression of hers.
I looked away immediately, insulted. That was when the nest caught my eye. In the nest laid a male pigeon, covered in blood. His huge plain grey wings were forever framed as a shield to three baby birds, all hugging and dead. It was the humans, I could tell. They were crushed with sticks and left to die hanging at the edge of the AC unit.
She smiled at me again. She is the strongest. I did not smile or look at her again. I also did not leave. We watched the sun set together, and our hearts continued to break, the way evening slowly breaks into night.
This straightforward tale, which conveys both love and suffering, is so eloquently told. Additionally, the reader’s attention was captured by the eloquently written descriptions of the pigeon’s suffering and the vulture’s pride.
My interest in birds is what first drew me to this story, but I was left with a lingering thought by the end of it. This story has a change in direction or what may be called a surprise ending. This story subtly touches upon various important subjects in the world, creating a spark within the readers’ thoughts. It provokes feelings of calmness as well as dismay, and ends in a prevalent silent question. It’s a beautifully crafted story. The way expressing love among birds as well as any human love story, is impeccable.
A vulture – ferocious, proud, observant. A pigeon – fragile, grieving, sitting in a grimace.
The hesitation, the fight for survival vs the surrender in dismay and the desire to live for people we love have been marvelously penned down. The vulture’sense of isolation and the expectation of being shunned by other birds is skillfully explained. The contrasting emotions and reactions between the pigeon and the vulture add depth and complexity to their relationship. The initial confusion at the pigeon’s anticipation of being eaten is juxtaposed with their growing understanding of the pigeon’s strength and resilience.
The story leaves a lasting impression. It captures the bittersweet nature of connection and the realization that even in the face of sorrow and loss, there can be moments of shared understanding and silent companionship.