Lingering by Fountains

“You're in the sweltering desert, with skin a bubbling red and lips like sandpaper. Hoarse is your voice. Mirage after mirage has misled you; your faith is waning. Your feet drag on. Sense and clarity have long been deserted. A booming voice echoes throughout the abyss, vibrating the sand granules beneath your body and shaking your frail muscles. You remain unconcerned. You have been commanded FORWARD! and forward! you go. Time has passed, and at last you reach a mirage that is not a mirage. A bright blue pool of water beckons you. If you could properly think, you might be alarmed, for gathered around the water are creatures of all sizes lapping up fluid, steered by thirst. You ignore them. You bend down, and your tongue grazes the surface. Lightly. Hungrily. The lot of you remain, undisturbed. Unbothered. You are calm, and for a moment, there is peace. It is not exactly true that there is utter tranquility at water holes. But... water does bring lives together. I too have sought relief near water, perched upon ledges near fountains and rivers. A reprieve. Amazingly, I am often gifted companions and conversations among the strangers surrounding me. People always strike up conversation with me, or I with them. Some have ended up becoming dear friends who I think of frequently. I recommend: Try sitting near a body of water in a populated location and if you feel bold, talk to somebody. There are so many perspectives and stories to hear. But even if you're not quite ready, find a ledge, lay down your head, and fill your ears with the beautiful drips of trickling water.”