Live Now As If You’d Drop Dead In Ten Seconds
During an unforgettable safari in Nairobi National Park, I captured a hilarious yet majestic photograph of a secretary bird crossing the road like it owned it. With its long, stilt-like legs and head held high, it immediately reminded me of Theresa May, the former British Prime Minister who also served as Home Secretary. The humor wasn’t lost on me—both the secretary bird and May are known for their long legs, and amusingly, May has been quoted as having a dislike for “snakes”, a term she has used to refer to certain politicians.
Interestingly, the secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) has quite the reputation for kicking its way through life. With a kick force of 195 Newtons—five times its body weight—it dispatches snakes with deadly precision, stomping them out in a manner that would make any snake-fearing individual, May included, proud. Watching this bird march down the road felt like nature delivering a comedic metaphor: a bird known for its snake-hunting prowess, echoing the political drama and strong-willed attitude May exhibited throughout her career.
It’s fascinating how personal experiences and worldviews shape what we see in nature. Whether it’s a bird crossing a road or a politician navigating the corridors of power, there’s always room for humor in life’s encounters. Nairobi National Park, with its close proximity to the bustling city and an array of wildlife like the secretary bird, offers these kinds of delightful, unexpected moments that make safaris so captivating. You never know when nature will serve up its next metaphor on a silver platter!