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