Rest in peace, dear bird

Some of you will know that I've always been somewhat frightened by the presence of pigeons. However, this morning, as I was waiting at the bus platform, I witnessed the gruesome death of one of these innocent birds.

I had just stepped off of my initial ride. Casually strolling over to the designated waiting area, I took my place in line. Pigeons are a common sight at the station, you see. To see one standing by the curbside, pecking at crumbs and random food morsels, usually serves as amusement or a distraction for us commuters.

On this fateful morning though, that tan-coloured pigeon really, really, REALLY should have watched its back. It stood no more than 3-4 metres away from me. Normally I don't pay much attention to these birds. They scare me. Not in a ferocious way, like a rabid dog. Its moreso due to the nervous flapping of their wings, the possibility of being defecated on, and their lack of fear towards humans that makes ME somewhat jittery to be around them. You should see me when I head downtown.

As I glanced over in its direction, the pigeon's actions caught my attention. It stood there, its body in semi-writhing motion, as it repeatedly extended its neck in an up and down motion - almost resembling an exaggerated swallowing action. I was somewhat perplexed. Commuting almost daily on the bus, this peculiar behaviour had never been observed before. Next to the bird, sat a pile of yellow, pebble-like morsels. I soon realized that the bird was choking on whatever it had just swallowed.

At that moment, a bus rolled into the bay and parked a metre away from where the bird was standing. As passengers gradually emptied from the bus, I watched as the bus driver prepared to drive away. Within those two split seconds, I realized the fate that lay ahead for that poor pigeon. This situation was different from others. Birds normally flee in fear, or instinctively at least, when approached - let alone by a gigantic bus. This helpless pigeon was too distracted to realize that it was in danger. Either that, or it was unable too. Can you imagine having to run or flee from an assailant, per se, while choking on a jawbreaker?

The bus roared up and began to roll forward. I watched tensely as the pigeon continued to struggle and not take flight. The front wheels began rolling. It just missed the helpless bird. Of course, I spoke too soon. Actually, I thought too soon. The hind wheels hadn't passed yet.

I saw a pigeon explode today.

The worst part, you ask? It didn't die an instantaneous death.

I'm tired, but I can't sleep now.