Close Encounters Of The Bird Kind: A Love Story

The other day, I saw two pigeons on top of this fence, each perched a little away from the other. Slowly, one began inching forward to narrow the gap, then stopped, unsure of how its advances would be received. After a moment, the other pigeon scooted shyly towards the first one. There was an awkward pause then their heads turned simultaneously and their beaks touched. They held the kiss for a few seconds before the second pigeon pulled back and hastened to put some distance between them. If birds can be embarrassed, this is how it would look like. Then without warning, the second pigeon flew off and its beau followed.

This morning I saw this lone pigeon on top of the fence. I’d like to think it is the same one from the other day waiting for its suitor to come courting. I feel privileged to have witnessed two souls finding each other in the city. May we all take a leaf from our feathered friends and be brave enough to take a leap of faith and wear our hearts on our sleeves. The world would be a better place for it.