Peace in the Desert

I was lost in the desert. I wandered for a couple of days. I ran out of water and figured I’d reached the end.

But then I saw a lake in the distance. I crawled towards it. But I couldn’t seem to get closer. I thought it might be a mirage. I’d seen them in movies. I thought it was just something made up for the plot.

Finally I collapsed and laid on the sand. I felt some peace knowing that it would be all over soon.

A vulture landed next to my head.

The vulture said, “How much longer do you think it will be? I’m kind of hungry.”

I said, “I’m sorry. I don’t know. I’ve never done this before.”

The vulture said, “Well, could you hurry it up?”

I got angry. I become very uncomfortable when someone tries to hurry me along and I’m not there.

I said, “Forget it!”

My anger gave me strength and I walked two miles till I found an actual oasis. I jumped in the water and drank big handfuls. I felt alive again.

I went and sat on the shore. The vulture landed next to me.

The vulture said, “I’m sorry about what happened back there. I hadn’t eaten for a while and I was edgy.”

I said, “That’s alright. I’m sorry I got upset at you.”

We sat together in silence and watched the sun dance on the ripples.