Playing Russian Roulette with Bird Poop

There is a tree in Entebbe that I pass almost every day that sensible people avoid. The reason is simple and obvious and it is because hundreds of birds nest in the tree - grey herons, black-headed herons, egrets, pelicans, marabou storks, and a few others whose names I don't know.

The ground underneath the big Muvule tree is completely white from years of accumulated bird business. It actually looks like it has been painted. People usually walk away from the tree but I deliberately walk or run directly under it.

Before you question my sanity, I have a reason. We have all heard that apparently, if a bird poops on your head, it brings good luck. I have no idea why, but I suspect that whoever came up with that was somebody who had just been pooped on and something good happened immediately after, or they were embarrassed and were trying to find justification. 

I have often secretly wondered what would happen if I got hit with bird poop. Would my bank account suddenly improve? Would someone call and say, "We have been trying to reach you concerning your millions"? Would my Prince Charming appear on a black horse? Would my avocados stop ripening at once? I am determined to find out.

So every morning I walk under that tree, sometimes fast, sometimes slowly, but nothing. Months have gone by and the birds have continued to decorate the road, branches, signposts and several unfortunate cars but they have spared me. I don't know whether to feel grateful or rejected.

Do you think they can sense desperation or I can imagine there is some old pelican up there saying, "not today. She is doing fine."

I have accepted that one day my luck may literally fall from the sky, and when it does, I hope I remember that it is considered good fortune because I do not think my first instinct will be gratitude. Either way, tomorrow morning I will walk under that tree again. The birds will continue their activities, and I will continue testing destiny.

One day, if you see me walking around Entebbe with bird poop on my head and a very satisfied smile on my face, please understand that I have finally won the lottery or at least that is what I will be telling myself, from where my feet are.