I’m a Penguin

They call us Emperor.

We are used to making long treks in the cold winters on the icy waters that are frozen over when it’s time to search for food as we leave our mate and chicks behind.

The hardest part of our long anticipated journey is the separation from our family and facing the cold biting wind and heavy snows that makes the hundred mile trek near impossible but our only chance at survival is to forge through as we must overcome the obstacles so we can feed ourselves and everyone in the family.

At least I’m accompanied by many friends as I’m never alone.

We line in formation as we navigate the difficult terrain supporting each other and reminding all why we must endure the elements to ensure our success.

We are built for these challenges and rather adept at walking long distances though we’re unable to flap our wings and fly.

We also enjoy sliding on the ice on our bellies to keep our spirits up and to go further, faster and harder.

To many we’re loud as we embark on our journey but we must encourage each other as we battle hunger, the cold and the loneliness we feel knowing we’re separated from our families we had to leave behind.

We’re away for over a hundred days so we must keep our wits about us encouraging one another and working in unison as we search for fish and sea life to feast on and to bring back for our families.

We also need our rest along the way and must fight the urge to sleep when we must continue on. It’s emotionally a struggle but we can’t freeze on the trail as we must get back to the nest, to our families, to our communities.

The most difficult part of our long trek is surviving it and holding on to hope that we will be reunited with the ones we had to leave behind.

Sometimes I feel so tired and weak wondering if I can complete this annual trip that nature has put before us.

The only thing I can do is keep my family as my motivation in moving on pushing myself knowing I have no other choice if I want to see another day and be reunited.

So I continue on in search of food with my peers and heading back home on this lonely epic adventure because

I’m a penguin.