"SEEDS" - the Continuing Story of Pigeons and Friendship

Slowly adding more material to the play, "Seeds: the Story of Pigeons and Friendship." I'm about at the half-way point, which always presents a challenge. Still, I plod on. Meanwhile, here's another snippet. Comments always welcome. Format is cut-and-paste strictly to make it an easier read.

SYLVIA, the ultimate pigeon lover, has left JULIE's apartment, having heard a phone message left by the park supervisor, who has his own agenda in finding Sylvia.

SETTING:  PARK. EVERYTHING IS SNOW-COVERED

AT RISE: A WORRIED JULIE SEARCHES FOR SYLVIA
 

                                     SFX: COOING PIGEONS

JULIE

Where there’s pigeons, Sylvia and Mr. B can’t be far away. Oh fer – now she’s got me believing. ‘Sylvia! Where are you!’

JULIE spots SYLVIA distributing pieces of bagel to pigeons

Thank goodness. I’ve been worried sick thinking I’d find you huddled somewhere, frozen to death. How nice they appreciate my bagels meant for you.

SYLVIA

Enough for everyone…

JULIE

Except you. Do you at least have one for yourself?

SYLVIA

I ate a few bites

SYLVIA opens a bag and distributes nuts to the birds

JULIE

Excuse me? Those nuts don’t come cheap! Let them peck for acorns under the snow! ‘Users!’

JULIE rushes in the direction of the pigeons and they scatter

                                SFX: SOUND OF BIRD WINGS

                                   

SYLVIA

What are you doing? They’re my friends – my only friends! ‘I’m here for you, my flock!’

JULIE

Believe me – they’ll be back, especially when foods around

SYLVIA

What did they ever do to you?

JULIE

My care package wasn't meant for them. Pigeons can make out on their own

SYLVIA

How could you be so callous?

JULIE

You call caring more about you than – them, callous?

SYLVIA

I'm so naive. Here's me thinking you were my friend and understood our predicament. Obviously, I was wrong

JULIE

My only motive is your welfare. The fact that I opened up my apartment to you should tell you that

SYLVIA

(TURNS HER HEAD TO THE SIDE) “You’re right. They just don’t get it, but she seemed so sincere - different from the others…”

JULIE

Please - let’s get past this. Blame it on a momentary lapse of judgement. Look – they’ve all re-grouped.

JULIE bows and addresses pigeons

‘Sorry birds. Didn’t mean to separate you from your free food source’ Okay? I apologized. We started out so well and I don’t want to jeopardize our relationship. I shouldn’t have put any conditions on your bagels and seeds care package. If you wanna share it with - them – you go right ahead. Perhaps I haven’t gotten to know them all well enough, yet. I mean, doubt whether I’ll ever call them by name, but I’m willing to try. That should mean something. Feels like there’s a cold wind moving in. How ‘bout I go get us some nice hot coffees?

SYLVIA

I’m okay
 

JULIE

Before I forget, I've got boots for you. At least wear them as a personal favor so I can sleep nights

SYLVIA

 

(TURNS HER HEAD TO THE SIDE) “That’s true – I’ll ask”

 

Mr. Bird is wondering if possibly you might have an extra pair for him, too? He’s not getting any younger and feels the cold these days

JULIE

I’m not sure how I would go about this or even if it's possible. If I could talk – or see - Mr. Bird to get an idea of his foot size. I’ve never given any thought about foot wear for birds. Cats, dogs - yes - but birds no. What size would he take?

SYLVIA

Well – I would say, this big

SYLVIA uses her hands to indicate a large size

Does that help?

JULIE

Really big. Doubt whether a pet store carries outfits for pigeons and even if they do, Mr. B has one set of huge feet

SYLVIA

See what I mean? Prejudice. Forget that I asked

JULIE

Lemme at least, try. Meanwhile, try on these boots while I check out pet shops on my cell phone. (to herself) What next - boots for an invisible bird. How and why did I get myself into this? (Speaking on cell phone) ‘Hi there. I’m just wondering – you may think this a little unusual – can’t believe I’m asking this - but do you carry boots for pigeons? Hello?’ They disconnected. Can’t say I blame them…

SYLVIA

Perhaps we should all go in person. I’ve always found that personal contact works best

(TURNS HER HEAD TO THE SIDE): “Of course you can come! How are you going to make sure they’re the right size?”

JULIE

Like I said, I’m not sure they keep pigeon boots in stock. Then, there's the issue of Mr. Bird’s gigantic size and the possibility he could injure his feet along the way without proper covering. How 'bout I call the pet store so they can prepare for - so they can check their stock

SYLVIA

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Mr. Bird has to try them on in person. What happens if they don’t fit and the pet store won’t take them back?

JULIE

A few phone calls before-hand will save time

SYLVIA

No – we must shop in person
 

(TURNS HER HEAD TO THE SIDE:) “You’re right – it will be an adventure for us!”

SYLVIA cont’d: Mr. Bird is very excited. He’s never worn anything on his feet before

JULIE

It’ll be an experience for sure, for all of us

                                       FX. BIRD WINGS



As they start to leave, they are followed by the rustling of pigeon wings. JULIE whips around in response

Hang on a dog-gone minute! They’re not joining us 

SYLVIA

But they’ll want a pair too

JULIE

I am not walking down the street with a flock of pigeons following behind, and no way are they coming inside the pet shop with us
 

SYLVIA

You’re prejudice and really don’t care about the plight of those who must depend on life’s food rejections to sustain themselves

JULIE

It’s not that I don’t sympathize, somewhat, with the plight of pigeons but there are people living on our planet, who are starving to death and like your friends, have no shelter, living from hand-to-mouth, going through trash cans to stay alive

SYLVIA

So which shoe stores should we start? This is such a new experience for all of us. We’re very excited

Getting seedy - another snippet of "Seeds" - the play in the making

"Seeds", the play, is coming along although there is always the escalation of anxiety while approaching the half-way point that the story line will lose direction and it will end up in storage, along with too many other plays-in-the-making. I become infatuated with the dialogue and wit being uttered by the characters (IMO at least) without working out the direction the play is taking. Hopefully, it'll all work out in the end...

Sharing another snippet of dialogue - can't really call it a play, yet. The scene is Julie's apartment with Sylvia and the mysterious Mr. Bird discussing their living conditions while waiting to eat bagels. Comments always welcome.

JULIE

Something to drink? Coffee…tea…soft drink?

SYLVIA

Water is fine

          Starts nibbling on bagel, caressing the side

 So…seedy. I might want another one - or maybe two.

          Lifts up glass of water to eye level

This water is really clear. We’re used to it being cloudy with things floating around, being that we get it from the park pond

JULIE

You drink pond water? Why not from the fountain?

SYLVIA

The park workers turned it off after people complained about my feathered friends using it. I mean, where do they expect them to go? They like to cool off in summer like everyone else

JULIE

Not everyone would agree with you on that. Wouldn’t include me, of course. Please don’t take this the wrong way but now that I feel we’ve become friends, I‘d like to get to know more about you…

SYLVIA

…good news. Mr. Bird is back.

JULIE

How long have you – and Mr. Bird of course - been living in the park?

SYLVIA

Don't remember but a while. I don’t live there all the time, only between… Not all the time

JULIE

So you do live indoors on occasion. Relatives, friends…?

SYLVIA

When it’s stormy, we take refuge in buildings ‘til someone discovers us. During that big rain last year, we slept under the park administration steps

 (turns head to the side)‘Were they ever surprised when they found us! Remember?’ (laughs)

JULIE

You could have froze to death -

SYLVIA

- but we didn’t. We’re survivers, me and Mr. B. There’s a van that travels the streets and park offering food and clothing. We take the food but I’m okay with what I’m wearing

JULIE

You’re not serious – at least you could use a new coat –and a real pair of shoes, not sandals. Aren’t you worried about diseases the birds could carry?

SYLVIA

Careful how you talk about my friends. At least they don’t stare and make mean comments like park visitors. “Look at the filthy birds” they say and “don’t touch them – they carry disease”. Mean stuff like that. They think I don’t hear but Mr. Bird has the best hearing around

JULIE

Perhaps…Mr. Bird misinterprets their comments. I mean, it’s possible

SYLVIA

We know what we hear. Can’t get enough of these bagels

SYLVIA grabs two more and places them on her plate

 It’s so rare to find bagels with so many seeds. You wouldn’t happen to have any peanut butter? There’s always peanut butter on the table back at the… Anyway, it’s my favorite

 

JULIE

I just might. Have to check the date though. Not sure how old it is

SYLVIA

We’re not fussy about those things. Take your time

JULIE EXITS. SYLVIA grabs the bagels and stuffs them in the pockets of her raincoat

JULIE re-enters

JULIE

There’s still a week left on it… Didn’t I bring out more bagels?

SYLVIA

We ate them. Mr. Bird prefers the seeds more than the bagel

JULIE

Do tell. He's a super light eater for sure. Here - enjoy the peanut butter

SYLVIA

The park flock will love it. Expiry dates don’t matter to them

JULIE

I’ll make a going away package for when you leave. Would Mr. B prefer one pillow or two?

SYLVIA

(turns her head to the side)’Don’t be judgmental. She doesn’t understand our needs.’

 Actually, Mr. Bird doesn’t like being indoors, him being a free spirit and all. Finds it too confining, as do I

JULIE

Take a look at what’s going on outside. Wind is building  - looks like the skies are going to open up. Stay for the night, at least? Why don’t you consult with Mr. B?

SYLVIA

Thing is…he travels back and forth during the night to keep an eye on the flock. Lots of stray cats and other beasts around. Sometimes he even sings the birds to sleep

JULIE

(laughs)

What song does he sing to them? Lullaby of Birdland, perhaps

SYLVIA

I’m not familiar with that song but I’ll suggest it to him

JULIE

So whad’ya say?

SYLVIA

Maybe…we wouldn’t want you to think we aren’t grateful for your hospitality and all…

(turns head to the side) “Everything okay? Errol’s missing, again? It’s not the first time he hasn’t checked in…You know he likes to wander around at night…  ”

JULIE

Something wrong?

SYLVIA

Seems that Errol hasn’t been seen for a day. Always flying off somewhere without telling anyone

JULIE

And Errol would be one of those…a flock regular?

SYLVIA

Gets the urge to roam before trash pickup day. Too many good pickings. No need to go look for him. He’ll be back

A change of direction for "Seeds" - Mr. Bird fades in

Been adding to "Seeds" although not as often as I like or should. Progress is dependent upon sudden brain storms or those rare but very welcome "eureka!" moments that give clarification to the story line.

Somehow, and after reading over what currently exists, there seems to be - at least in my mind - that the direction the play is taking is too predictable bordering on blech.
The subject, an accidental meeting of two people in a park, one of whom seems to have what could be best described as an unusual gravitation to pigeons, is interesting. However - as mentioned numerous times in this blog, it's always the 'howevers' in life that get you - it's too ordinary and needed a shake-up. So...

A new character has been added. Elwood P. Dowd had his rabbit, Harvey, and now Sylvia Perkins has joined his league with her friend of a feather, Mr. Bird, a pigeon.

Following yet another run in with Hal, a  park supervisor, who wants to maintain cleanliness and limit the appearance of pigeon poo in his territory, Julie feels a moral responsibility to help Sylvia. The two return to Julie's apartment and at the mention of the word "bath" and a failed attempt to remove Sylvia's weather-worn rain coat, Mr. Bird suddenly puts in an appearance, in a manner of speaking.  Maybe it'll work and maybe it won't - hav'ta see where this will take me, if anywhere. If not, it'll be yet another return to the drawing/re-writing board.

Yet another snippet of dialogue from "Seeds." Julie attempts to convince Sylvia to stay for supper and warm up. When 'speaking' with Mr. Bird, Sylvia turns her head to the side

JULIE

How about a plain, old American cheese sandwich and a coffee? Indulge me as your new friend. Look – it’s snowing out so why not wait until morning. This couch opens up into a bed and at least you'll have a full stomach and a night's sleep. It's better than a park bench

SYLVIA

You’re very kind but I can’t possibly stay. It’s getting late and my friends will be wondering where I am

(Turns her head to the side) ‘I know, Mr. Bird. I’m trying to explain our need to leave…’

JULIE

Really, Mr. Bird, one night in a warm bed won’t make a difference in the scheme of things. Wouldn’t that be better than hanging out in a park or building heating ducts? This is getting more weird by the minute… I’m definitely losing it. Next I'll be talking to squirrels. Correct me if I’m wrong here, Sylvia, but there’s only two people in this room, you and me, right?

          SYLVIA Recoils in horror and backs away

SYLVIA

How could you be so cruel? You’re just like all the other humans we meet. No feelings whatsoever for those less-fortunate who have to survive living on the generosity of others and on the cusp of society. You have hurt Mr. Bird’s feelings for the last time. We are leaving (turns her head to the side) ‘I’m ready to leave if you are, Mr. B’

JULIE

Please – wait. Perhaps I’ve acted too hastily. After all, we’re still at the getting to know you, stage, and I don’t want to threaten our budding friendship with misunderstandings. How about this: you and – um – Mr. Bird stay for a bite and I’ll give you a bag of peanuts to take back. Don’t believe I’m actually making a deal that involves a…

SYLVIA

(turning her head to the side)

‘What do you think? I mean, she is trying…then there's a bag of peanuts at the end… You’re in agreement, then?’ We have accepted your apology

 

          SYLVIA starts laughing

‘That is like…so funny. Where do you pick up those funny gems? 

JULIE

Am I missing something?

SYLVIA

(continuing to laugh hysterically)

It’s Mr. Bird – he has such a weird sense of humor and especially adroit telling jokes. He wants me to pass along one he heard in the park: you can never lose a homing pigeon. If he doesn’t come back, what you’ve lost is a pigeon

          (SYLVIA laughs uproariously)

 

You are such a joker, Mr. Bird!’ Mr. Bird wants to know what you think of his joke. It’s one of his best

JULIE

Humor is subjective, especially bird humor. Weird – don’t recall you introducing Mr. Bird when we first met

SYLVIA

He’s a free spirit. Comes and goes when the mood hits him. He’s really taken to you. Usually he only hangs around for a few minutes

"SEEDS" - the continuing story of pigeons and friendship

My muse paid me a visit this week and it's about time, too. It's been somewhat of a dry spell pursuing the continuing story of Julie, the park jogger, and her chance meeting with Sylvia, the ultimate pigeon lover. The story is slowly developing in an on-again, off-again fashion.

Yet another snippet:

An encounter with Hal, the park supervisor, who warns Sylvia that more significant steps will be taken if she refuses to cease and desist the feeding of her feathered friends.

 

JULIE

Sorry I took so long but my boss called. Hadda explain why I wasn’t back. Course I lied but then it was for a good cause. A friend of yours, Sylvia? Introduce us.

          SYLVIA is silent

I’ll go out on a limb here and guess that judging by your uniform, you work for the parks department

          HAL is silent

Nice park you have here. I take a short jog through here on my lunch hour. Met up with Sylvia not two hours ago but it’s like we’ve known each other forever. Maybe we were friends in a past life or something. Course not everyone believes in that stuff but I think there’s something to it. Am I missing something? You can cut the silence between you two with a knife

HAL

I was just warning Sylvia that she has to stop feeding the pigeons. It’s not like I haven’t told her a thousand times before but I’m getting heat from the director to take more action, the type she won’t like

SYLVIA

I’ve tried to explain the situation to my friends but they don’t listen for whatever reason. Pigeons can be very stubborn when they sense a threat. Don’t think they like you, Hal

JULIE

Oh I think Hal here is merely doing his job, right Hal? Are you on duty here five days a week? I would have remembered seeing you for sure

SYLVIA

He’s a threat to pigeons. How come you don’t pick on other birds or squirrels?

 HAL

They don’t leave blobs of white everywhere like your feathered friends do

SYLVIA

How do you know that? You’re not here on guard twenty-four-hours a day. It’s a personal thing with you, isn’t it? Admit it! You hate them!

JULIE

Now Sylvia, I’m sure Hal here is just doing his job. Never met a pigeon lover like Sylvia. Here every day to feed them. Why I don’t know…that is to say, a person has to take a rest now and then to take care of themselves. I was just telling her she’s not dressed for this weather and needs to wear warmer clothes. We were just sharing a hot pretzel and coffee…here’s your pretzel, Sylvia. Probably cold by now but the coffee is still warm

          SYLVIA breaks the pretzel into small pieces

HAL

Don’t even think about feeding that to the pigeons

JULIE

Of course she’s not. She’s a law-abiding citizen, aren’t you friend? We were about to head for my apartment. Right Sylvia? I need some decorating advice and it seems she has a flair for design.

SYLVIA

But..

JULIE

Don't be so modest! Such an avant-garde trendsetter. Very much in demand and I’m fortunate enough to have met up with her in this very park. Fate I guess

SYLVIA

I can’t…

JULIE

…fit me in your schedule? I’m in no rush. Meanwhile you can offer me advice on wall colors and maybe a few decorating tips. Getting colder by the minute. Better head home. Nice meeting you, Hal. You wouldn’t happen to have a card with your contact number, would you? Never know when I might need help being that I’m a jogger. I could trip and need some assistance, being that I run here from noon to one except on Fridays

 

          JULIE attempts to usher SYLVIA away but SYLVIA

          resists

(Cont’d. JULIE) Silly me. You want to say goodbye to your feathered friends. Then we really have to leave

HAL

 

Better leave now with your human friend, Sylvia

JULIE

 

Look at the time! Really gotta go. Don’t you just love these pretzels?

          JULIE drags SYLVIA away as she looks back at the

          pigeons, her arm extended towards them