The Rock Dove keeps to himself,
head down, pecking aimlessly
at refuse lining the pillars of the bridge.

Rock Dove Under Ditmars

by Zackary  Lavoie

This poem explores the seemingly ignored issue of abuse towards men in today's world. In this moment, a man (a Rock Dove) is verbally abused by his girlfriend (the Falcon) and leaves him to "die" in an apartment in Queens. This poem attempts to overlay the images of birds fighting and that of a struggling relationship. - Zachary Lavoie.

Zackary Lavoie is a graduate of University of Maine at Farmington with a degrees in English and Creative Writing. His book titled "Upheavals" is set to release later this year.

You can find him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Acknowledgements:

Memoria is written,  produced and presented by Nat V.

Zachary Lavoie's short poem, Rock Dove under Ditmars, is performed by Melbourne-based actor, Hayden Burke. The poem is sound designed, edited and mixed by Jen Farrow.

Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions, "Last Lights",  "Sunset at Sady Isle" and "Inside the Origami Violin".

Illustrations by Peta Manning. Her book, See Me Doodle, is out now.

Sound effects used in this episode by:
Feeder-sergiyevposad-141209 By oontzru
Candy-bar-wrapper By Coltures
Traffic-in-town By Inchadney
Bus-leaving-bustop By Cribbler
Stairs By Screamstudio
Running-up-stairs By Maj061785
Peregrine-falcon-2 By Digifishmusic
Beating-wings By Juskiddink
Plastic-snap-snapping.wav By Deleted-user-7146007
Door-open-close By Amholma
Footsteps-sneakers-wet-sidewalk-01-r By Hupguy

P.S. There is a little relationship riff right at the very end!