I was off today, part of my two holidays for Eid Al Adha (remember? I work for a living.) So I did some laundry and put up a batch of red and white wine that should be ready by the time I get back from my Christmas vacation. But it was a very sunny day – and the temps have been pretty normal lately – so I decided to sit outside, read and get some sun. (Generally, I don’t get much sun.)

My apartment is on the roof of my new building and it makes for a wonderful deck under a clear, open sky. I set up my deck chair for maximum exposure on this white, Irish skin. As a sat down, however, I realized something more was needed. Whether you know it or not, all Muslim countries are filled with mosques. On all the mosques are a set of loud speakers that face in all directions so that everyone can hear the call and the prayers of the Imam. This occurs a number of times each day – my personal favorite being the one a 4:30AM. For some reason, I did not feel like being distracted by the booming of the Imam. Instead, I opened the sliding glass doors to my apartment, turned on the stereo and pumped up the volume on the Stone’s “Exile On Main Street”. The music didn’t carry very far, but far enough to offer counterpoint.

I sat for a while reading my book (“Mystery Train” by Greil Marcus, which is about rock ‘n roll) when I looked up and found myself face to face with a bird. I believe it was a pigeon though I can’t say for sure. It was bigger than a pigeon. Not fat, just… larger. And it was all white. Completely white. It wasn’t a dove because it didn’t have the right shape head. So I greeted the pigeon (of course) and watched him as he walked around the area. He then proceeded to walk straight toward the apartment – specifically the open glass door to the apartment. I called to him (naturally) and suggested that would not be a good idea – as visions of running after a bird in my bedroom raced through my mind. For a moment, he stopped and waltzed over to the other side of the patio… only to turn back around and head for the door again. This time I got up and slid the door almost closed, leaving just enough room for the music to filter out and large pigeons not to saunter in. He spent most of the rest of his visit near the door. I took some bread and tried to offer some food, but he was not remotely interested. Eventually, he flew up to the ledge, shot me a look and took off.

Obviously just a Stones fan.

Be Sociable, Share!

•