Well here’s a sentence I thought I’d never write: Mike Tyson wrote an op-ed for the New York Times today. Let me say that again — Mike Tyson wrote an op-ed for the New York Times today. Yes, that Mike Tyson. And what he wrote is an essay about his love for pigeons.
It’s no secret that I love pigeons. They have been a fascination of mine since I was a young boy, and they continue to bring me great peace even now. People are curious as to why I have such great affection for them.
The answer is simple. It’s because they aren’t difficult to understand. Unlike human beings that have the capacity to manipulate and deceive one another, they are basically animals of habit. If you treat them well, feed them, give them safe housing and lots of love, you can expect a good relationship with them. However, that isn’t the case with human relationships. Through life experiences we learn that treating someone decently and being loyal to them will not necessarily guarantee you the same in return, although it should.
…
As I child, I was very awkward and never felt as though I fit in (anywhere). On the roof, none of my insecurities mattered. As I watched the birds soar above me, in that moment I was free just like them. I didn’t have to think about my growling stomach, wondering where I was going to get my next meal. I didn’t have to worry about the other kids trying to bully me or make fun of me because I didn’t have money to get nice clothes.
My birds never judged me or made me feel inadequate. I was actually the most important relationship that they had. They were totally dependent on me for food and shelter and I felt honored to be needed, and this made me feel wanted and relevant.
Mike Tyson now has one more New York Times bylines than I do.
(Pic via)
