52 White Line Fever

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Stephen Whiteside
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52 White Line Fever

Post by Stephen Whiteside » Fri Dec 02, 2011 4:11 pm

52 White Line Fever

© Stephen Whiteside 02.12.2011

For want of any better idea, Horatio elected to follow the river. It was heavy going in the wet sand. He had filled his belly with fresh water, for who knew how long it would be until his next drink? The sun began to beat down mercilessly upon his head, upon his exposed body. Where would he spend the night? What would he eat? Presumably this scrubby heathland would meet his needs when the time came.

Should he revert to night travel? That seemed impossible when he did not go where he was going. Was the spirit of Dulcie still looking over him? He hoped so. He believed so. Would he meet a new friend? It was hard to make friends when he was constantly moving. Did he want to meet a new friend? What was the point of friends, anyway? They only let you down in the end.

Besides, he had a friend. Magnifico. And another friend, Dulcie. Dulcie now was dead, and Magnifico was gone, but they were both still friends. They both still comforted him.

What will be will be, though Horatio.

The sun beat hotter and hotter as the morning progressed. Horatio became tireder and tireder. Still, the landscape began to change once more. The river was so wide now it was almost like a lake. And what was that up ahead? A white line appeared to cross the river. Curious, Horatio decided to press on in spite of the oppressive heat.

As Horatio approached the white line, the most extraordinary vista opened up to him. It was beyond his wildest imaginings. The river came to an end. In its place was water. Nothing but water, as far as the eye could see, straight ahead and to either side.

And the white line? It was a series of waves, breaking waves over the shallow sand at the river’s mouth. The mystery was solved. Already, he felt vindicated in his decision. If only Magnifico could have seen this! Even if he were to chase him and catch him, he would never believe him. He could not describe it. What other wonders did the world hold for him?
Stephen Whiteside, Australian Poet and Writer
http://www.stephenwhiteside.com.au

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