Shore Birds

The gulls call “mine”

in view of the ocean,

grabbing for the catch,

snatching from their own

 

Stern demeanor

never changing

even when the jackpot

is claimed

Author's Note

Watched the seagulls and the gamblers a bit in Atlantic City...

Reviews

[Antoinette Tarsitano-Mo..]

Nice job!! I like the seagulls from afar -- once they come too close to me, it becomes too freaky!!

[Rita L. Sev]

Free verse; something a bit different for me. The gulls and gamblers gave me this one...

[Sami Khalil]

I like to watch those birds when I go to Gulf shores Al or Fl and watch how people interact with them. Never been to Atlantic city but I'm pretty sure it is nice...Well penned...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

They are fun creatures to watch - probably the same in AC as everywhere else! Thanks, Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

So true...You are welcome...:)

[Clockwork]

I could see how a parallel develops between the gulls and the gamblers. Now that you mention it, I could also hear how the call of those gulls sounds like the word "mine." I really liked your ending lines about the jackpot and the implications those words have for both the gulls and the gamblers. Also, this reminds me of going to beaches in New Jersey and feeding gulls tuna fish sandwiches.

[Rita L. Sev]

As you know, those gulls will take that sandwich whether you give it to them or not! It was the unchanging demeanor on the faces of the people in the casino that surprised me - so many kept a miserable visage... not unlike those greedy gulls. Thank you, Christian.

[Clockwork]

Yes, that is quite true! Cheese curls too! You're welcome :-)

[Marie]

I don't think seagull are a pest but give the beach charm.

[Rita L. Sev]

I love watching them; they are entertaining... and a lot like the people...

[Coyote Poetry]

I like the use of the seagulls and the gamblers. Seagulls are a pest upon the beach. Gamblers hold on to hope when there is none. I like the use of words. Create good vision in the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Coyote - truly appreciated!

[David Scott]

Boy how I feel this I life at times...
I remember feeling how true it was about life when I saw the scene in "Finding Nemo" where the gulls are fighting to eat him. The futility and selfishness was thick!
Another fine capture of a feeling.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, David! (those gulls really do say mine!") :)

[Frieda P]

I love the comparison between these territorial birds and gamblers...mine, mine, yes. Hope you didn't lose your shirt there by the way, well said Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! I don't gamble; I shop! :) Just being on the boardwalk is a vacation for me. Thanks, Frieda!

[Frieda P]

Good so you gained a shirt instead, that's my girl! ;-) My pleasure....

[ShelleyA]

Hi Rita. You captured these birds beautifully in this piece. Very good use of brevity. Vivid imagery. Good flow and tone. I hope you had a great time at the shore. Thank you for sharing your day with us. Have a great day!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Shelley - spent a lot of time people watching and nature gazing, so it was great! :)

[ShelleyA]

You're very welcome. I enjoyed the visit to the shore seen through your eyes. Have a great day!

[redflutterby]

What would the beach be without those darn birds.... Try eating a picnic on the sand and watch what happens! Dive bomb.... Incoming... Ha!! Great poem Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Yep - these gulls have no fear! Thanks, Red!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

a lot of people are like them...not just the gamblers...some people are very territorial and serious all the time, no matter what...impossible to get them to smile...even in the greatest achievements...

makes me wonder...do these people really get anything out of life at all?????

[Rita L. Sev]

Exactly what I was thinking, Jacob. Hoarding what is "theirs", including emotions, always seeking more but never satisfied...