Paul Willason Poet Free verse

Muhammad Ali And The Pelicans

The man who has no imagination
has no wings…
-  Muhammad Ali


 …………………..

They waddle clumsily
on webbed feet not fit
for treading sand
and their folded wings
just add weight to impair 
their already awkward gait.
Pelicans are made
for air and water, being
landbound leaves them 
deprived of grace.
Sometimes I flounder
like a grounded pelican 
on the mud flats of myself.
Dragging my body along
I make for a sorry sight 
until I remember I have 
the power to imagine wings 
and then, with perfect grace,
I take flight.

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sara Etgen-Baker July 23, 2025 at 3:58 PM using the pelican as a metaphor was brilliant. I especially liked: Sometimes I flounder like a grounded pelican on the mud flats of myself. as well as the power to imagine wings...take flight. I need to remember those words when my back hurts, telling me to slouch instead of stand up straight. Paul Willason July 24, 2025 at 2:23 AM Value your comments Sara....imagination is the engine room of the poet...it is so good in filling the blank spaces memory can't recall, the indispensable glue that holds a poem together. Pleased the poem connected, regards Paul

Rowena Velasco July 23, 2025 at 4:45 AM Paul, this poem beautifully uses the pelican as a powerful metaphor for human struggle and resilience. The vivid imagery of awkwardness and groundedness contrasts perfectly with the hopeful turn towards imagination and flight. It’s a graceful reminder of our inner strength and ability to rise above challenges. Truly inspiring! Paul Willason July 24, 2025 at 2:16 AM Thankyou Rowena for your thoughtful comments. Indeed grateful to you for giving the poem such detailed attention and analysis...feedback like this adds to the pleasure of writing poetry knowing it connects. Take care, Paul

Lin Lane July 23, 2025 at 3:07 AM You must have the wingspan of an albatross, but no burden do you bring to your readers, Paul because your imagination allows us to take flight with you. Paul Willason July 24, 2025 at 2:09 AM After these kind words I'm off to try out my extended wings ...such a gracious gift dear Lin, helps me find lift. Thankyou Lin...