Day: March 14, 2026

Saw a YouTube video with
a sparrowhawk pinning a pigeon
to the ground with its talons.

Two magpies were hassling the
sparrowhawk, maybe in an attempt
to rescue the captive pigeon.

Their efforts were in vain.
The sparrowhawk kept the trembling
pigeon trapped in its talons.

It pecked the poor pigeon to death.
Nothing but a pile of fluffy feathers
and scattered body parts left.

I found that enormously disturbing, a
gentle pigeon hacked to death by
a vicious predator’s beak.

And I wished I could have saved
that doomed, gentle pigeon.

Bob Boyd

I was impactful in my work
for a nonprofit.
Made a small difference in
the lives of many and even
in the lives of some coworkers.

I was generous, gave many
coworkers gifts without
wanting any gifts in return.
Giving was like a spiritual
path to me, receiving was
not.
I wasn’t a receiver.

I was kind and got along
well with my coworkers,
often bringing laughter to
many with my sense of
humor.

After I retired, I thought
I’d hear from some of
my former coworkers.
None bothered.
None cared.
I found that realization
enlightening and
empowering.

Bob Boyd

From a comment related to a
YouTube video about being alone:

@attractivemonkey101
3 weeks ago
It’s not that nobody cares in a cruel way, it’s that everyone is busy being the main character in their own chaos. And once you accept that, you stop living for applause that was never coming. The scary part is you’re alone but the powerful part is you’re free.

You come into this life alone.
You make the major decisions
in your life alone; no matter the
influences, you make the final
decision alone.
Even if you are surrounded by
people, you are still essentially
alone.
Ultimately, you go out of this world
alone.

Bob Boyd