I ran across a bit of folk wisdom the other day, a brief treatise involving a hierarchy of strategies for crossing the Sahara. I quite like the piece, even though I doubt I’ll ever see the world’s largest desert unless it’s from the climate-controlled comfort of a jet. Nevertheless, I decided to transcribe the short exposition in case I need to refer to it later.

Crossing the Sands.

This Is the Lesson on Crossing the Sands. Remember It.

The sands are wide, the oases few. It is always safest to remain where you are.

But if you cannot remain where you are, then it is safest to go with a caravan. But if there is no caravan, then it is safest to go with a trusted band of companions.

But if there are no trusted companions, then it is safest to go with one who knows the sands.

But if there is no one who knows the sands, then you must cross the sands alone.

There are two things to remember. First, take nothing with you but what sustains you: food and water. If you cannot take both, leave the food but carry the water. You must carry the water if you are to cross the sands.

Second, never attempt to travel by daylight: the sun will kill you. You must wait until nightfall; then it will be safe to travel. Moonlight and darkness will be light enough.

There are two things you must do. Stay alive. And keep moving. If you can do just those two things, you will come to another oasis.

This Is the Lesson on Crossing the Sands.

Remember It.

Copyright 2006 David Rinehart. Reprinted by permission. Read more of David's insightful scribblings at www.stare.com.