Pigeon was a cautious soul, she’d seen too much in her time So many ways to get hurt, so much to go wrong by both chance and design She did her best to play it safe and live as best she could Weighed choices with questions of if she can, or even if she should Until one fateful day, Pigeon tumbled down to the Earth The impact stole her breath, but this is a tale of rebirth For as she lay, heart frozen, feet reaching towards the sky She found a whole new perspective in less than the blink of an eye All the fears entangled within her dissolved in a warm loving light Whatever path she took, she knew, would be the one to lead her right The possibilities were endless, she had all the time she’d need Do you want to go back? a voice asked her, reluctantly she agreed She could stay in this glow forever, but she had more life to lead… She didn’t return alone, as her heart resumed beating once more She felt the light of pure love burning strong, nestled within her core She lived the rest of her life spreading peace, as she soared freely up above Not scared of living or dying, knowing all is a part of true love
I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born and had suffered not the slightest inconvenience from it.
Mark Twain
I found a dead pigeon at my front gate today, not a mark to be found, lying serenely on her back, eyes closed, soft feathers clean and well kept. I gathered her up and moved her to a more peaceful resting place. Pigeons are marvellous creatures. They’re incredibly intelligent and, like crows, are able to identify individual humans, as well as recognise themselves in a mirror. In the war they were considered heroes for carrying messages in battle, now they’re viewed by many as vermin. The beautiful pigeon at my gate got me thinking about what happens when we die, which led me to reading about near death experiences (NDE’s) and on to writing this poem. Thank you lovely pigeon, may you rest in peace.
Click here for more amazing facts about pigeons and here for a humorous poem about a pigeon’s revenge and here for a pigeon romance story. I get a lot of inspiration from these wonderful birds!
If you’d like to read more about Near Death Experiences (NDE’s), click here.
How do you see pigeons, friend or foe? Do you have any pigeon inspired tales to share? Have you ever had a near death experience, or do you know someone who has? Or are you sceptical about the idea of life after death?
Rae Cod’s Writing 
Great nature and near death experience poem! I’m also interested in near death experience stories. Like you’ve captured in your poem, people describe being changed in an instant. I read a memoir once written by a neuroscientist who experienced one. Fascinating! There is another concept called “terminal lucidity” which might interest you too.
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Thank you 😊
I hadn’t heard the concept terminal lucidity but when I looked it up I have heard of the phenomenon from a podcast, it’s really interesting isn’t it? It’s like the brain deteriorates so much that there’s nothing hampering the consciousness and a persons being shines through at the end of life.
Can you remember the name of the book you read? I imagine it would be interesting hearing the experience of a neuroscientist who would probably not have believed in NDE’s until experiencing one.
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It’s called “proof of heaven”. Looks like he was a neurosurgeon not neuroscientist. His NDE was pretty out there, but always interesting to hear people’s experiences.
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Thanks I’ll check it out 😊
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Love this, Rae! I’ve always looked at pigeons as the low-life of the bird world but the more I learn about them the more I’m beginning to respect them. This line I especially loved: For as she lay, heart frozen, feet reaching towards the sky She found a whole new perspective in less than the blink of an eye. What I really love about the pilgrimage thru life is that we continually encounter new perspectives that often seem to change everything. It’s like a constant cycle of death and rebirth of perspective. Keeps things interesting! I look at death as the next great adventure and I’m super curious about what that next chapter looks like!
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I was the same Melanie until they kept showing up and I wrote about them, finding out more as I went along!
Thank you, that line is one of my favourites too, you’re so right about the constant cycle of death & rebirth, just when we think we’ve got it we die another small death & learn all over again!
I love your curiosity, may you find out when you’re a wise old lady, having imparted all the wisdom you can to the world and ready to embrace the next adventure 😚
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