Beautiful Ugly Pelicans

When I opined pelicans “ugly guys”

Lots of friends did me chastise

From far and wide I heard their cries

They asked that I the words revise

Pelicans are not ugly but cute

I must admit the point is moot

They sent me pics the fact to prove

They demanded I at once remove

Offending word forthwith retract

Admit the beauty, acknowledge fact

And so I request to prove the point

You be the judge that we anoint

I’m posting pelican pictures few

All I ask for you to do

Make your judgment, vote right now

Each person just one vote allow

Are pelicans cute or ugly birds?

You pick your own descriptive words

Jim Pinto

7 November 2015

More Pelicans Passing

I'm enjoying the new pelican canvas in my home. 

It inspires me to continue my previous "Pelicans Passing" poem:

Processions of pelicans passing by
It gives me joy to watch them fly
Long lines of birds in single file
Skimming waves with graceful style
Their wings don’t flap they simply glide
On smooth air currents float and ride

But then their gliding needs more speed
Signaled by the one in lead
With graceful flaps their wings stretch wide
Momentum builds for another ride
Floating by on currents of air
When they glide past I can only stare

Small groups pass I give them names
All part of my own pelican games
Long lines stretch become a V
I've counted up to 83
Large clusters means can't count them all
Their picture now adorns my wall

Jim Pinto
Carlsbad, California
2 November 2015

Beach People

Watching people, my balcony view

‘Twas sunny day and the gathering grew

Blankets, chairs and umbrellas for shade

Kids bring along bucket and spade

For many this is a major event

Lounge pillows, freezer, elaborate tent

Babies blissfully playing in the sand

Cute couples walking hand in hand

Big waves come roaring to add to the fun

Screaming, get drenched, then dry off in the sun

Youngsters play volleyball, lots of beach games

Posting pictures on Facebook and link all the names

Music from somewhere, they’re having a party

The laughter floats up, it’s happy and hearty

People lounging around, cocktails in the tent

Sunset approaching and beach day is spent

Hey, I’m on balcony, viewing too much

I’ll run down to talk and mingle and touch

Jim Pinto

Carlsbad, CA.

14 October 2015

Pelicans Passing

My balcony view in the morning sky

Processions of pelicans passing by

Long lines of birds in single file

Skimming waves with graceful style

Their wings don’t flap they simply glide

On smooth air currents float and ride

But then their gliding needs more speed

Signaled by the one in lead

With graceful flaps their wings stretch wide

Momentum builds for another ride

Floating by on currents of air

When they glide past I can only stare

One may break out from the line

To plunge down deep into the brine

Sees some fish and flies up high

Dives like a missile from the sky

This maneuver is quite skilled

Comes up with the big pouch filled

Graceful flight their look belies

Up close these are ugly guys

I’ve been to see them at the pier

They’re nasty birds when you get near

Offer them food, small fish and such

They snap or bite you if you touch

My best view is the morning sky

With processions of pelicans passing by

Jim Pinto

Carlsbad, CA.
USA

First Day Poem

Today I sat and watched the beach

The sand, the waves were close in reach

This gift is mine, this gorgeous view

It stimulates my mind to spew

Express my joy by writing verse

The rhymes just flow with no rehearse

But what if joy sometimes eludes

If sadness in my heart intrudes

Then too must I reflect through verse

'Twill soon soothe, dispel the curse

Restore the calm and peace will bring

Once more then my heart will sing

Daily odes to track the turns

Reflect on life, delights, concerns

Events, loved ones, new friends and old

Things long past, some shy, some bold

Verses for my life and love

For those below and God above  

Jim Pinto

Carlsbad, California

USA