Summer Squadron

As stealthily as they appear, they disappear,

They follow
the same pattern
throughout the day,
a dozen of them
in an undulating 
flying wedge
in the shape 
of the letter V
about 30 feet 
above the dunes.

They make way
for the one flying next to them,
moving in unison,
mostly gliding,
riding the heat waves
rising from the beach.

Pelicans crusing above the beach at Figure Eight Island, NC.

They move silently,
propelled effortlessly,
seemingly deriving 
energy from some 
divine source
from above,
maybe below.

As stealthily 
as they appear,
they disappear,
rising sharply 
then banking
hard to the right,
soaring over the houses
and across the marsh
and toward the bay.

Creek leading to the bay at Figure Eight Island, NC.

They’ll return later,
skimming the face 
of the waves,
tips of their wings
miraculously 
avoiding the water 
as they glide inches
from the rolling ocean
and foaming surf.

Whether it’s innate
or they have to practice
is hard to say,
but they have it down,
never a misstep 
nor a stumble,
just pure gliding grace,
a squadron of pelicans
on parade.