M.J. ARCANGELINI

THE LIMITATIONS OF SEAGULLS

“a seabird knew your name” – Tim Buckley

The seagulls did know your name, but
Like telemarketers and receptionists
They found it difficult to pronounce.
That is why, as they circled above the
Picnic table eyeing our sandwiches,
Everything they said sounded like
Squawking and you could never tell
Whether they were addressing you
Directly or simply commenting on the
Weather, the size of the waves crashing
Against the beach boulders, their cold
Hungry lust for your lunch and mine.
Then, the wandering albatross arrived.

M.J. Arcangelini, b.1952, Pennsylvania, has been living in northern California since 1979. He began writing poetry at 11. Has published extensively in magazines and anthologies. He has done an array of things over the years to keep a roof over his head, some embarrassing or illegal and none of them truly lucrative for long. He is currently trying, unsuccessfully, to retire. He has 6 published collections, the most recent of which is PAWNING MY SINS, 2022 (Luchador Press).