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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 Baker

Date: 7/23/2025 3:58:00 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
Date: 7/24/2025 2:23:00 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

Date: 7/23/2025 4:45:00 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
Date: 7/24/2025 2:16:00 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

Date: 7/23/2025 3:07:00 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
Date: 7/24/2025 2:09:00 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...