THE CONFESSION OF A CAMEL
I've fooled the world! I've conned the history books!
They honor me as patient, tough and cheerful,
But all along my heart's been melancholy,
Forlorn, discouraged, glum, depressed and fearful.
I carry on, oasis to oasis,
One drink does wonders when my mood is black,
I look content-- so they load tons upon me
Till one more straw would break my aching back.
They shout: I smile, and do what they require,
I hide my sadness, down the road I plod,
Through desert heat and sandstorms wild and stinging,
Hoping all roads will lead to you, my God.
I can get by without a drink of water,
I can survive what burning heat there be,
But, O Leaping Sea of Hope For All the Hopeless,
How I do thirst for just one drink from thee.
from the forthcoming book Prayers of 100 Animals A to Z, by William Cleary
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