Lady of the Water Stash

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Southern California

 
“After we crossed the border, there was nothing,” the abuela tells her grandchildren, “just the desert, empty canteens, and the Great Thirst. Mama urged us on, saying that Papa was waiting in Phoenix. I didn’t care. My tongue swelled, my lips cracked and bled, I couldn’t sing—and you know how I love to sing. On the third songless, waterless morning, I saw something blue in the distance. Pensé que estaba soñando. I thought I was dreaming. Could it be Our Lady? I knew she often dressed in blue. As we drew nearer, I saw that it was a container, and on the side, a sign: Agua para Emergencias. I was sure that Our Lady had provided it, so I promised her that for the rest of my life I would sing this little song:
 

My springs are in you,
Lady of the Water Stash,
quenching all my thirst.”
 
~~ ~~ ~~
 
sapphire-blue barrel—
a cup of tepid water
keeping dreams alive

 
Text and photo © 2013 by Magical Mystical Teacher
 
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