The Habit of Pigeons

They returned
when they hacked
the tree off at its wide, ancient knees,
leaving fat heels bulging into the cracked
concrete. They returned
because old men emptied shopping bags
of breadcrumbs over the stump.

They returned
when they yanked
out the stump; stuffed the gaping hole
with a greasy tarmac filling and ringed
it with an orange barrier, which they sat
on, waiting for the old men to return.

Matthew Friday is a writer, professional storyteller and primary school teacher. By all means check out the results at: www.matthewfriday.com