the boy coaxing pigeons
at the park does not budge.
he valiantly holds a small wedge
of crusty bread from a family picnic —
his slender arm outstretched.
the pigeons brazenly convene
to feed, forming what looks to be
a hem encircling the boy’s feet.
the boy is resolute yet visibly immobilized,
as if standing in a ring of fire.
