The Pigeon Houses

The next dawn, the wind carried the balloon into a narrow valley. The walls were full of small carved holes, row after row, like tiny windows without glass.

"Pigeon houses," said the pilot. "For hundreds of years, farmers carved little rooms for the pigeons. The birds slept safe inside, and their droppings made the vineyards and gardens grow."

Polly flew from the basket to the valley wall. She stepped inside one little pigeon room and looked out. Grey pigeons cooed all around her. From their small door, the whole valley glowed in the morning light.

She flew back to the basket, and the pilot let the balloon climb. "Do you feel that?" he said. "Up here the wind goes another way." Polly closed her eyes and felt the air turn slowly around them.