the desert has it's compensations

the  desert has it's compensations

fiction
edward w pritchard


The desert has it's compensations if you find yourself wandering within. The grandest sight in creation is overhead. The naked eye can see 2.6 million light years across space to the Andromeda galaxy most any night. From darkness until blissful sleep one is entertained and bewildered by the drama of the overnight sky.

Your enemies are far away when you are in the desert. Odds are small you will meet an invading army living in the desert. If you do it may be pleasant company to have someone to philosophize with. For the desert births many religions and great thoughts.

Strange sights occur in the desert. A goat in a tree, rocks dripping color, two camels spontaneously racing and a bewitching woman with incredible eyes and a mauve silk veil hiding her smile as she talks are long remembered.

Great riches may be found in the desert the most precious of which is fresh water which is the essence of life in the dessert. Food which is second priority after water is on your mind as you walk
blocking ruminations of past slights.

No one  carries much when walking or on camel caravan across a desert. Should paths be crossed with a peddler in the desert a new shirt or tunic and protections for the eyes in  a sand storm are top priority. Also should one be wealthy a small telescope would be a welcome luxury.

Once did I wander with a companion in White sands Chihuahuan desert Mew Mexico. Deep in silent thought time passed too quickly often remembered.