Sahara Camel Poem by Charles Todd

THEN

Driven to Sahara Desert edge
Blustery day
Didn't want to ride a camel
Talked into it.

Straddled a sitting camel
Then up, up in a disjointed rocking movement
Wet sand blowing in gusts
Wet sand, sharp on skin

Wet sand in behind contacts
Excruciating pain
Corneas scratched
Tied thin scarf over eyes

Lean back down slopes
Don't fall off
Hang on with both hands
Keep sand out of eye
Off camels, back at hotel
Cupped water into eyes, some relief
Horrible pain
Horrible pain
Horrible painful experience

NOW
Proud that we rode camels
in the Sahara Desert
An iconic experience
Almost missed

Rode a camel
Rode a camel
Rode a camel in the Sahara Desert