Gratitude is the sign of noble souls ~ Aesop


Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving ~ Kahlil Gabran


Joy delights in joy ~ William Shakespeare


Friday, May 21, 2010

To look a pelican in the eye

To look a pelican
in the eye
is a curious thing
You don't even notice him
at first
as you sit on the beach
reading your chick lit
but you sense the movement
and look up to see
a strange
prehistoric looking creature
lumbering towards you
his wings are heavy at his side
but he is fast
maybe too fast
you are fascinated at first
but as he gets closer
you are scared
Do pelicans attack people?
But then you catch his eye
and he doesn't look like a killer
he looks...studious
There he is
a foot away
What does he want?
You think maybe he's hungry
so you search your backpack
and find a cranberry almond bar
break off a piece
toss it towards him
It doesn't interest him
But you do
He blinks
and somehow you are surprised
Who knew pelicans have eyelids?
You notice that the feathers
on his brown head
seem soft, like fur
and he starts to look
like a very strange dog to you
and you have the sudden urge
to pick him up
and pet his furry head
to give him a name
and play catch with him
He could probably fit a basketball
in that giant beak
And as you imagine this
with a laugh
you think about
what he must be thinking
probably something like:
To look a human
in the eye
is a curious thing
And as he finally leaves
waddling towards the lagoon
and past the sand bar
you can't help but wonder
Do pelicans get goosebumps too?

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