“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements and impossibilities: it is this that in all things, distinguishes the strong from the weak”. – Thomas Carlyle
cover photo
Two Orange Flamingo Birds by Harun Asrori
score
Pillars by Renan Javier
from 2015…..
March of the Flamingos
written & edited by Kendall F. Person
At once beautiful and thriving, Lake Makgadikgadi has been undone by the brutality of the Kalahari, which engulfed the waters several thousand years ago, leaving unforgivable terrain, known today as The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Most years, the lake attempts a comeback, with the rains falling up to 20 inches in some places, offering the allusion of paradise. Perhaps it is this allusion or maybe the Greater Flamingo, one of nature’s most beautiful and majestic creatures, has forged its own course in survival of its species. Dry, salty, dusty and unfathomably hot, this salt pan, one of the largest in the world, delivers the cruelest of ironies (or perhaps it is the jungle version of not judging a book by its cover). The flamingo may play the role of a diva – beautiful and majestic – but there are few creatures alive that brave such a harsh and demanding test — at birth.
When the eggs in the colony hatch – up to 50,000 – the water has dried up and the mirage has been replaced with a grim reality. Vultures circle high above, knowing that the march of the flamingos means a certain banquet for them all. There is water and there is food, but it is more than 100 miles away. The hatchlings, at such a tender age not yet able to fly, and so they march. In the searing, scorching, baking heat. Over sharpened salt crystals that often slice through their webbed feet. The adults have already flown ahead. Some fly back bringing food to the survivors, while others circle above delivering condolences to those breathing their last breath. Days turn into weeks and the ruthless sun unrelents. Many have already died, while others fight, carrying the weight of dried mud around their feet. But they persevere nonetheless.
In the distance, the hatchlings see their colony and an energy that should have long been exhausted, drives through them onward, as they wobble toward the lake, into the waiting embrace of their families and of paradise, at last.
So the next time you feel like giving up and throwing up both hands, and falling victim to the madness of man, think of the flamingo….. and march straight ahead.
this is… The Neighborhood
You Are Not Alone by Mavis Staples
this is... The Neighborhood 
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Beautifully written. Perfect for me today, as I just got my first publishing contract! Years of sending queries and writing, revising, editing. I kept marching like your winged friends.
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HOORAY! ! Thanks for sharing the good news and confirming the flamingos
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It feels awesome, thanks!
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As a child of the 80s those birds are forever connected to Miami Vice. But you had some nice info there! Not survival of the fittest that makes the best out of this existence–it’s the Survival of Those who Never Quit the Test.
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what beautiful lesson on perseverance, patience and survival of the fittest.
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I was touched by this story. Thankyou.
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I believe it is true that: when we start to become more interested & intrigued by the puzzling yet very fascinating creation unfolding above our heads & beneath our feet – the blindness lifts. We begin to see the majesty & embrace the beauty around us. We appreciate our life purpose, that there is intent behind everything we do & of what happens to us. Providence truly does prevail.
To be free & have the ability to roam opens the mind to explore, to delve deep & understand so much more.
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My current imagery is very different to the Flamingos in the Sub Saharan Africa, but I find a great deal of inspiration in your post, despite the cold weather. Perseverance is what makes us better.
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Liked this post a lot!
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So very good to know you enjoyed the show. Welcome to The Neighborhood.
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Wow I didn’t know that about the flamingo. You have inspired me and given me an assignment to read more about it. And to think I live in Sub Sahara Africa. Thank you for the inspired post.
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I live on the North American continent and didn’t discover until today that links live here. A big interesting world we live in. We can always learn from one another. Thank you for adding your voice, Clement, and welcome to The Neighborhood. So glad you made it.
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Good read, thank you.
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You are very welcome. So good to know you enjoyed the show. And welcome to The Neighborhood.
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BRAVO! It has been so long since I have blogged… I was tempted to stop writing.. life gets in the way sometimes. Tonight just happens to be My return to the word.. blogging word, that is. Tonight also happens to be the night I read this post of yours. Your words, the flow, the emotion..inspiring to say the least! Thank you..
Always,
Satie
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BRAVO on your return to blogging. So good to have you back.
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catchy
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It is always nice to read a positive and uplifting post. I admire your dreaming and writing. I would like to be a peaceful bird coasting along a shoreline, where the warmth of the sun would be upon my wings. For years, my favorite jokes about my name were, “Where’s Batman?” and “When are you flying South for winter time, Robin?”
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{big smile} Always good to hear from you.
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What an incredible story of remarkable perseverance. It is, indeed, a lesson to us all.
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It is truly remarkable and as you so wisely point out… a lesson for us all. Thank you for adding your voice and welcome to The Neighborhood.
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Make you wonna push harder
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Yes, indeed my younger brother. Yes indeed.
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Very inspiring. I’ll sure never forget this bit of information.
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It captured my attention as well when I first learned of the trek of the baby flamingos.
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A funny thing happened today, I got tired while jogging but kept on going when I thought about the perseverance of those little lot. My calves really ached but I couldn’t stop as I jogged like my life depends on it till I reached my mark. It’s really impressive how the things we read inspire us. Thank you
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I love this personal anecdote. Thank you for sharing
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Your words are thought provoking, poetic, and really touched me personally. You are very talented and your writings are always inspiring. Thankyou:)
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So very nice to know you enjoyed the show. Thank you for letting me know. And please know, that you inspire me too. So good to have you in The Neighborhood.
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Reblogged this on Life With Catnip.
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