The Giraffe and the Oxpecker

By Kieran

 The Giraffe and the Oxpecker



Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, inspired by recent safari photos sent by my sister Rohini.


Giraffes are an evolutionary marvel; standing straight and tall

18 feet tall with a 6-foot neck, their 11 kg heart does it all


Their markings are unique quite like human fingerprints, each one

Not just for beauty or stealth, but also to keep cool in the sun


The oxpecker and the giraffe have a mutualistic relationship

The birds feast on fleas and act like sentinels- that’s true friendship 


A giraffe calf is built battle tough as it drops down six feet at birth

In 30 short minutes it’s off the races to take its rightful place on Earth

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stained Glass

By Kieran
Image
  Origin and Significance of Stained Glass Stained glass has ancient roots, but it became especially prominent during the medieval period, particularly in Christian church architecture. The earliest known examples of coloured glass date back to ancient Egypt and Rome used decoratively in windows and mosaics. In the 12th–15th century, stained glass became a hallmark of Gothic cathedrals in Europe, reaching its peak in France, England, and Germany.    Biblical Storytelling: In a largely illiterate society, stained glass windows illustrated scenes from the Bible saints’ lives, and moral lessons, serving as a visual scripture for the masses.    Spiritual Atmosphere: The interplay of light and colour symbolized divine presence, aiming to elevate the worshipper's spirit and represent heavenly light entering sacred space. Stained glass contributed to the aesthetic grandeur of cathedrals like Chartres and Notre Dame.  It influenced architectural design, as Gothic a...
Read more

Pope Leo

By Kieran
Image
  Pope Leo XIV On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Conclave of 133 Roman Catholic Cardinals elected a new Pope for 1.4 billion faithful, the  267th in the line of Pontiffs that dates back to St Peter, who was handpicked by Jesus Christ himself. [ Matthew 16:18 ] Before he was elected Pope Leo XIV, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Frost Prevost spent  much of his life outside the United States. Ordained in Rome in 1982 at age 27, he received a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also in Rome.  For the past two decades he was a missionary in Chilayco, Peru, serving as a parish priest, seminary teacher, and diocesan official.  Here he also became a naturalized citizen, then rose to lead his international religious community, the Order of St. Augustine. Under Pope Francis, he held one of the most influential Vatican posts, running the office that selects and manages bishops globally. His deep connection to Latin America helped him gain a...
Read more

Blue Bird

By Kieran
Image
My homage to Azulejos - the striking white and blue ceramic tiles of Portugal.  The name 'azulejos' is derived from the Arabic word 'al zuleique', which means “little polished stone”. The tiles were originally brought to Europe by invading Moors in the 13th century - a style that employs flowing lines, stars, flowers, foliage, fruits and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines that can be tiled in endless combinations.   The art and history of azulejos have left an indelible mark on Portuguese culture and heritage. These vibrant and intricate tiles have adorned buildings, churches, and public spaces for centuries, captivating the eyes and hearts of locals and visitors alike.  The enduring legacy of Portuguese tile-making is a testament to the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship of the artisans who have dedicated themselves to this art form throughout history. This is one of my compositions inspired by a window decal at...
Read more