I often joke that if there’s such a thing as an afterlife, I’ll definitely come back as a swan. It’s my favourite bird. I love everything about it: the elegance, the quiet authority, the way it seems to float through the world like it already knows something the rest of us are still trying to learn.
Swans, though, aren’t native to South Africa. Mute and black swans exist mainly as introduced or captive birds. In a small way, I recognise myself in that as I’m not native to Finland either. Though definitely not a captive, I was introduced. And I had to adapt in order to make the place my home.
Another bird has been knocking at the doors of my dream-consciousness lately: the flamingo. I never thought I liked flamingos that much. They always seemed a little… full of themselves? A bit too posed; too aware of the camera. And yet there it was, returning again and again, bright and persistent.
Then one day, as I was reading the Marginalia newsletter, a flamingo appeared in a poem. The words found me exactly where I was. One thing I love most about poetry is that it doesn’t knock politely; it walks right in and sits beside you.
Before I knew it, I was deep in a rabbit hole, researching this bird. Flamingos are native to South Africa. The Greater Flamingo is widespread and found across parts of Africa. And as I read, I kept seeing the same qualities named again: beauty, grace, balance, confidence. And I thought, hang on! These are exactly the qualities I love about the swan.
Though both birds are vocal, there’s a difference that matters. The swan is serene and tends to exhibit profound emotional behaviours, like mourning its partner. The flamingo, on the other hand, is communal, loud and quirky. And what about that one-legged balancing pose?
Then—dang! Yoga. What? I hate yoga. It makes me angry. But my creaky joints and stiff body keep saying: girl, you need to get yourself flexible. So this is my word for 2026: Flexible. After a year of targeted focus, flexibility is the energy I want this year.
I’m practicing flexibility not just in the physical sense (though yes, unfortunately, also that) but in my days, and on the page. I’m making room for the small yeses — to soften where I’ve been rigid, to experiment and adapt, to not force neat answers before they’re ready — and see where I end up.
I once read that swans, with their famously long and bendable necks, have more capacity for curving and rearranging themselves without losing their shape. Maybe I won’t reach swan-level flexibility, but there will be movement with one small yes at a time.
Who knows! I might end up settling for a humble flamingo pose, just so I don’t fall flat on my face. I hope you stay with me.
As usual, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are you making room for this year or where could a little more flexibility soften your life in the best way?
PS. The Great Tit is among birds that brave the Finnish winter. They are always nearby, flitting from tree to feeder, drawn by the tasty seeds. And I created the watercolour feature image using Canva AI.
I am not a bird person, but I appreciate their beauty and admire it a great deal. I actually have a soft spot for the Canada Geese we have here, especially in the spring when new little ones arrive.
They’re extremely territorial and protective of one another, and they too, are vocal.
I believe my theme for this year is going to be, “Maintaining Peace”. Here in the US, I have to find various ways to obtain it, and even more ways to maintain it. It’s a challenge, but it is one that is necessary.
Ah, the Canadian geese! It is a visitor here, and vexes farmers to no end. 😀 But as a bird lover, I believe every bird has its beauty.
“Maintaining Peace” is a spot-on theme. The whole word can do with it. Because it’s all outright bonkers right now. All the best, Tre!
I found out late last year, they’re actually, “Canada Geese,” and not “Canadian.” A fellow writer and avid bird admirer, like yourself told me so. LOL. I did a deep dive via Google and was like, “Well, so they are. You don’t say.” LOL.
Thank you. Prayerfully, I’ll be able to maintain peace. I am truly hoping I can. Be well, and continue to enjoy all that Finland has to offer, Khaya. 🙏🏾🩵
Aha! Canada Geese, that I didn’t know. Talk about learning something new everyday. Thank you for that correction, my fellow wordsmith! <3
That’s exactly how I felt. LOL. All these years, and I didn’t know, either. LOL! You’re quite welcome!
Khaya, hooray on your word for this year! I love how you arrived at this epiphany word. A poem lands by your side – how wonderfully you write that: ‘ One thing I love most about poetry is that it doesn’t knock politely; it walks right in and sits beside you.’ I revelled in your description and photos of Flamingos as they are one of my favourite birds. Oh, their one leg stance is just terrific! Enjoy exploring your year of flexibility. I think at times we need to remind ourselves to drop the rigid rules the world and we set for ourselves, to explore beyond them, to be playful with life and our arts! Hugs xx
Many thanks, Annika for your wonderful comment. You’re absolutely right, the rigid rules, especially those we set for ourselves can keep us playing safe. Hugs! xx
I grew up near a river that had many swans on it, and along with the numerous ducks and geese would come to several feeding areas on the riverbanks for bread. I learned as a youngster that in addition to their beauty, they are quite able to take care of themselves. I was taught an adult swan could shatter bones and to be respectful and keep my distance. They are a mighty bird!
It s hard to pick a favorite bird, but if I did, it would be the chickadee.
What a wonderful and rich childhood, Lavinia! Yes, beneath their calm and collected demeanour, swans possess surprising strength. Lovely to learn that the chickadee is a contender.
No word of the year for me, yet. Last year’s was ‘Follow Through’. I looked up the reference on the Pink Flamingo poem. Wow! The poetry ‘card collection’ gleening life lessons from old Audubon artwork is not only a great idea/approach to creating but the examples I read on the book’s Amazon page are wonderful! Thanks for sharing the back story of finding your word for 2026. Maybe there’s a species of bird that manifests itself as a Pink Swan?!? 🙂
Take your time, Laura; a fitting word will come to you. I hope “follow through” served you well in 2025. And that poetry ‘card collection’ I do so admire the intricate artistry that went into its creation. Thanks to you, too. As for the Pink Swan… bending involved to manifest it. We shall see! 🙂
I like the idea of identifying with a bird. I love the cranes here in Madison. They are tall, protective parents, and omnivores. Swans are beautiful birds.
Rebecca, thank you. I like cranes too. We have a lot of them here too. The Blue Crane holds the distinction of being the national bird of South Africa, also significant to my people, Xhosa people!
Thank you for telling me about the blue crane. I admire the Xhosa people and their knowledge of living close to the earth.
<3
Nature is always there to teach us what we’ve been missing. Steadfast against our human arrogance. I think flexibility is a brilliant word for the coming year. May we all bend without breaking.
“may we all bend without breaking.” Love this, Christina! Thank you. <3
I love both birds but I always view the flamingo as having a little more “character”than the swan. Speaking of flexibility, an interesting fact I learned about the flamingo, their knees are actually way up close to their bodies and hidden in their feathers. The bendable part we see is equivalent to an ankle 😊.
Oh Wow! I didn’t know about the bendable part… I’m just enjoying reading these comments, hearing all these interpretations and fun facts. Thank you!
What a beautiful word. It is strong yet supple and I am sure following flexibility will bring you rich rewards this year.
I was entranced by your story of the swan and flamingo.
(I have been doing yoga for more than a decade and the benefits are fantastic. The hardest part is getting onto the mat.,)
Much appreciated, Mariss. It’s also inspiring to hear you’ve been practicing yoga for that long and getting such great outcomes.
I like birds as well. One of the animals I would like to be in my next life is a bird, because I can cross borders without a passport, be free of that piece of paper😄 that is so powerful for inconvenient moments.
I also learn a lot about swans’ lives when I moved to Finland. They are amazing.
For 2026, I am making more room for myself.
Thanks for the writing, Khaya!
Say that again about no need for passport!! 😀 YAY to making room for yourself! You’re right on track with my “flexibility” word. Here’s to making room…!
I greatly enjoyed your bird themed musings and the lovely images!
I appreciate your comment, Tierney. Thank you.