Pigeon Variations - Ch 52 - The Other Side
By Mark Burrow
- 966 reads
Waves of heat shimmered in the scorching afternoon sun. A combine harvester kicked up thick swirling dirt clouds as the blades rotated. In the field opposite, several farmhands loaded a lorry with bales of hay.
As they worked, they heard a shrill scream. They scanned the fields to figure out where the agonised cry came from. One of them pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one. Another pointed to the treeline.
A pigeon fluttered its wings and ascended into the clear blue sky. It was a disappointment for them. They hoped to see a kestrel or a kite or an eagle.
Of course they did.
But no, it was a pigeon.
The farmhands smoked their cigarettes, shared a bottle of water, and went back to their labour.
The pigeon perched on the tree that arched across the single road cutting between the fields.
Because that’s what birds do.
They perch.
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Comments
The ending is perfect
The ending is perfect
Thank you for posting this - it's been a most enjoyable read!
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Good luck with the final
Good luck with the final version pre publication!
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I'm good a spotting changes
I'm good a spotting changes in point of view and this is no longer Pyser talking, but pigeon. Pigeon king.
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Oh this is the end? I'm still
Oh this is the end? I'm still back around chapter 30 but sometimes dip in to skim and read comments. I'll be caught up soon enough.
Congrats Mark. Superb work. It's the type of novel I make a point of seeking out and buying.
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This has been a such a
This has been a such a brilliant roller coaster ride of a read. Really sad it's come to an end.
Very much enjoyed reading and thank you for sharing Mark.
Jenny.
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Mark, Flamingos last year.
Mark, Flamingos last year. Pigeons this. I've read it all. I honestly think you will find a publisher. You just need to decide what route you want to take. Drew.
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It's common I think to feel
It's common I think to feel down after finishing something. I think the only happiness comes in the buzz of the first draft. It's all downhill, bare feet on glass, after that.
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And best of luck! I'll be
And best of luck! I'll be first in queue to buy when it's published. It has stuck in my head since reading it.
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