Pigeons on Route 30

in the middle
of town
driving my car
I'm enticed
out of my brooding
by the sychronized flying
of pigeons

first assembled in line
on the roof
of the Lutheran Church
and suddenly
seemingly by command
they take off
soaring and diving
swooping and backstroking
in formation
as if they'd been rehearsing
for weeks
anticipating this
late afternoon performance

I smile
I can't help it
I lean forward
to look again
not one of them
misses a beat
and in a choreographed finale
they soar in an arc
to land on the roof
of the church
where they started
out of breath
I am sure
but elated
by their Olympic display.

pmr