Hail

I crossed the street. On the other end a pidgeon floundered beside the curb, too injured to pull itself out of the way. Cars avoided it. A cluster of people were nearby, staring in a slack-jawed stupor. Many wore a mournful look.

I crossed the street. I had a rapid and incredible impulse to bring my foot high up and slam it down on the pidgeon's head. I almost did. Instead, I walked straight past. I barely looked at the bird everyone was so preoccupied with and I pushed the button on the post to cross the street again...