Welcome to the January / February 2023 Edition of Pigeons of New York. Real short stories as told by the pigeons roaming the Big Apple. My role as the photojournalist is to identify a potential story, observe, and let the story naturally evolve within a safe space. The large majority of NYC’s speedwalkers just aren’t listening…luckily I am.
Each story is unique. Just like the Pigeons of New York.
To follow each story as it’s released, check out @loveyou.quinn on Instagram.
Moving forward, we’ll be doing a compiled monthly edition for that month’s pigeon prose.
Doug M. – Grand St. & Eldridge St.
“Umm I’m six. I don’t like getting older because it’s…it’s…it’s…it’s really tough because you have to start a new grade and read bigger books and I don’t always know the words but I sound them out. Last year I was reading a book and…and…and…and I had to read a sentence in front of the entire class and I did it because I practiced but I didn’t like it still. But my friends said it was good and I really like to play video games and go on my scooter I can go so fast you can’t see me.”
——
I was first talking to Doug’s mother until Doug came over and interrupted us with his run-on sentences of random topics that I did not inquire about. I’ve never met a 6 year old named Doug before, and I don’t think I ever will again because Doug is the 8,335th most popular name in the world and declining as rapidly as #TSLA stock. Before I could leave I was forced to watch Doug ride “so fast” on his scooter. I could easily still see him and I told him that before leaving.
George L. – Rivington St. & Allen St.
“Best badonk in the city! You could use some inspiration couldn’t you? And it’s a 100%, all natural badonk-a-donk that makes the girls honk-a-honk! You don’t want me to drop it low though or you’ll have to call the ambulance because too many people will faint.”
——
“Take a picture, it’ll last longer” was screamed into my ear as I was walking down Allen St looking at my phone for directions to the Strand Bookstore. I looked up and saw George staring at me, puffing out his behind, apparently waiting for me to compliment him as he continued with the rest of the above stated dialogue. I was confused and unaware what “badonk” meant until I looked at Urban Dictionary later to see it was “An amazingly large buttocks with exceptional bounce and shape.” Despite his insults about my own badonk, or lack thereof, I felt obliged to follow through on his request. These are the pictures I took of George…so it’ll last longer.
Tina N. – 2nd & 15th
“There comes a time in everyone’s life when they get hit by bricks. Maybe you’re not there yet but I am. I’m getting hit by them. They are heavy and hurt and make it hard to get up. It’s not always easy getting out from under the bricks. I’m just a small pigeon. Below average for both height and weight. You take some bricks off, then out of nowhere more appear and weigh you down. I keep an open mind and know that I’ll get better control over it. Maybe if I just stay away from the dangerous construction sites with all the noise and distractions. Maybe if I just find a way to see the light and take more calculated action. I have an optimistic mindset. I used to think it was easier to just lay down and let the weight of it take over for a bit. But even though it feels like a security blanket, it’s more like a disguised energy thief til you can’t push those bricks away on your own. Today is my day to shine.”
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