Page 34 - SeniorsToday May20

The urgency was unmistakable – on the
other side of the river lay fresh green grass, a
better life, the promised future.
And yet, not one wildebeest took a step into
that gushing river.
I didn’t blame them – the water was
teeming with crocodiles – smooth and
cunning under the waves, waiting with their
nefarious crooked teeth to kill, to slaughter, they began their course across the mighty
to eat any hapless animals who lost their river. Many failed, many lost lives.
footing, were too young, showed any
weakness. Such is life.
Finally, as the urgency grew and the
wildebeest could handle it no longer, the
leader stepped forth. I have never thought
of the wildebeest as a beautiful animal until
that time. Tall, dark and handsome he stood,
aware of the dangers that lay below him
but mindful of his duty to take his herd to a
brighter future. But their strength and conviction has stayed
Even the young were silent as he carefully with me these many years.
trod into the river.

With measured steps, he slowly edged into
the water, going deeper and further each
second. I watched with bated breath as he
made his way mid-way and then further,
stronger, until he reached the other end.
And that was the signal the herd was
waiting for. Upon the success of their leader,
they gained strength and like a team, like a
huge black army

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