These lakes in Kenya
may look enticing
but they are
no ordinary waters.
Trapped in a world
of volcanic turmoil
they are contaminated
by sodium carbonate.
The Soda Lakes,
caustic and alkaline
they are the most
inhospitable waters in Africa.
Looking more like a scene
from another planet
surprisingly, they are far from lifeless.
Flamingos, with their long
thick skinned legs, can tolerate these waters
that are so alkaline, it would scour
the flesh off other animals.
Though harsh, the soda rich waters
teem with a unique form of blue-green algae
which the flamingos siphon
through fine combs in their beaks.
By using the beak upside down
-flamingos avoid wetting their heads
in the bitter water.
It’s a miracle of evolution.