PRETTY FLAMINGO
Most people think a Flamingo is a bird. In most cases, they are absolutely correct. However, many of us think of a snake as a reptile or a hippo as a jungle animal—somehow, we refer to people as an animal name. As an example, she’s a pig, or he’s a tiger. The inferences go on and on. To me, the visual is everything.
I’m an Asbury Park guy, and I have learned to appreciate local celebrities such as Bruce Springsteen. At the same time, I am no fan of the man or his politics. However, I love his music and appreciate his talent. A day doesn’t go by where I don’t listen to his music. Not only is his music great, but he is a master storyteller, and I enjoy his stories very much.
Several months ago, I was surfing youtube for some new music for my Favorite Playlist, and I came across a Springsteen song that I wasn’t familiar with. Its name is PRETTY FLAMINGO. I can’t imagine I never heard this song before because it was written way back in the '70s. Being a Springsteen fan, I’m a bit embarrassed.
The story and song are about Bruce’s fantasy regarding a woman he would see passing by daily. She was so fine and so hot that he and all his buddies named her FLAMINGO. As one of many versions of the story went, she had such beauty that she was unapproachable. All the guys could do was fantasize about meeting her and more. Nobody knew her name.
I must admit I have crossed paths with several FLAMINGOS in my life, and to be truthful at their sight, I’ve absolutely been taken by either their beauty, mannerisms, glance, or scent. Maybe it was their eyes, lips, hair, or maybe it was a combination of all. Whatever it was, sometimes I would even find my knees weak. It didn’t matter, if I could make eye contact, I would always find a way to approach the PRETTY FLAMINGO, and most of the time, it was worth the effort. However, there were times where I would actually lose my mind and my money in her pursuit. Common sense would vanish. Sometimes I found the beauty would be in the face, but the beast was in the heart. It made no difference what; the experience was always worth it. I have also made a fool of myself a few times, tripping over myself.
If you haven’t had the FLAMINGO EFFECT in your life’s book of experiences, you have missed one of life’s great gifts. Once you have had it, you will always remember it and look forward to the next episode.
As I mentioned earlier, I missed this wonderful song and story by Springsteen. If you have never heard of it, look for it on Youtube. It’s a gem of a tune and a great story as told by a master or the Boss.
It’s fun to bring back those old memories.
