If you have ever been to the city

And happened to look down by your feet

You may have noticed the many pigeons

Seeking out food to eat.

One day a poor hungry pigeon

Down the street did go

When he noticed something snowy white

In the pet store window.

He flew onto the narrow ledgw

That lay not far above

Then peered into the window

And saw there perched a dove.

She seemed not to even notice him

Had she seen many pigeons before?

He firmly rapped upon the glass

Which she was finding hard to ignore.

She turned away her snowy white head

As if to say she did not care

All  he wanted was to say hello

But it was as if he was not there.

Why was she behaving this way?

He had to find out why,

He may never know the answer

All he could do was try.

He continued to rap upon the glass

Until he was sure that it would break

She had tried hard to ignore him

She now had all that she could take.

“What it that you want of me?”

She said in a voice so cold,

“Why do you persist in taunting me?

I must say that you are bold!”

“Could you please just leave me be

I have no time for friends

As soon as someone buys me

I will never see you again.”

With that she then fell silent

Once again she turned away

It seemed a shame that one so lovely

Should have to feel this way. 

He could not understand her sadness

He had to find out more

It seemed that all her needs were met

Right here in this store.

“It appears that you have everything

I envy you,it is true

I would give just about anything

If I could trade places with you.”

“I do not know one day to the next

Where or when I will eat

No one ever notices me

Out here on the street.”

She could no longer hold her silence,

She had to set him straight

And tell him that what he percieved

Was not all that great.

“I am sure that all looks well and good

From your side of the glass

But there are things I must make clear

Seeing you have asked.

It is true I have all these things

But the thing you fail to see

Is the fact that I should envy you

For you dear pigeon are free.

You pigeon have no boundries

The whole world is your stage

As you can see my whole world

Revolves around this cage

I see the same things everyday

The same old scenery

For me there are no brand new days

Do not wish to be like me

I am sure you have your hardships

I do not deny you that

I know you may not believe me

But you are better off where you are at.

Do the best with what you have

Though you may feel small amongst the crowd

Always walk with your head held high

You have every reason to feel proud.”

The dove once again fell silent

She went rigid,did not stir

The store owner brought a patron in

Who had just purchased her.

And just as quickly they were gone

But she knew they would soon return

The pigeon wished that he could grant her

The freedom for which she yearned.

She then turned to speak to him again

From inside her lonely cage

To see the dove in such a state

Filled his heart with rage.

“I am glad we had this time together

Though it was only for a while

And I know whenever i think of you

It will make my sad heart smile

And if ever you are feeling low

Just try to remember me

And know that having everything

Means nothing if you are not free.”

Her new owner covered up her cage

Then carried her away

The pigeon flew down to the street

And slowly walked away.

Remembering all she had told him

He held his head up high

His views on life now completely changed

He soared up to the sky.

Looking down upon the city

From the skies above

He viewed the world in a different light

Thanks to the snow white dove.