Chapter 1
Opening Poem
Through the sun-baked landscape, I sight a glimpse of my future
A mixture of disgust, distrust, and disappointment surge around my body
It feels like time has slammed on the breaks; emphasis added onto each second
I pray a desert death adder will make this quick
The Greats like Captain Cook and John Lort Stokes guide me forward
Their ability to brave the prehistoric ways of the savages admirable
While the ancestors of others litter the trail with broken glass
Setting up their saviours with malicious accusations
Surrounded by rocks, sand, more sand, more rocks, my choices are limited
Challenge myself to defeat this mammoth task, or go home empty-handed
My stubborn ways have cemented the path I am to follow
Success the only thing in my mind
Locals gaze daggers at the Jeep, uncertainty painted on their faces
Their fear a pungent odour suffocating the air
The children race around like feral animals
They will forever be stuck in this never-ending loop created by this disgraceful society
Shanty shacks add a rural element to a land already miles away from civilisation
The bones of the old missionaries put to bed by time
Heat surges through the air, making me more uncomfortable
The thought of staying here any longer makes me nauseous
The shadow of the hospital looms over me
An eye-sore in all its glory
Despite the intense heat, a cold chill caresses my back
With my sword drawn, I take my first few steps towards my future.
Sand swells
Uneven ground
Fear lurking everywhere
Change is supposed to be good, right?
Deep breath
