Senior Daze

by Katie Bourg

About Katie: Having arrived in time for the Great (?) Depression, WWII, and all other 20th century problems, I am endowed with long and varied memories. Writing classes have long been my home away from home. Other people's stories are fascinating, and sharing is growth at its best. Hope you seniors will join me with your stories. Try it. You'll like it.

Camels have always been considered just beasts of burden. Camels know better. There is a reason for what we see as arrogance.

Had it not been for the star, it would have been a very dark night. And cold as desert nights are prone to be. The sand still hot from the heat of the day felt good under the Old One's hoof. His struggle to keep up had increased his pronounced limp, and this short rest was welcome. He was grateful to his master, who demanded it. He had known many men for what they were, and recognized this man would be his last and best master. His travels were nearing an end.

Younger camels, sensing the coming journey, listened to their men discussing prophecy and fulfillment. They pranced around the stable, ready, eager, a little frightened by the star.

"What does it all mean?" they asked the Old One, but didn't wait for an answer.

His wisdom would be missed, but he was no longer one of them. They discussed him as if he wasn't even there, saying he could never make another trip. He would only slow them down, and their men must hurry. The Old One took no part in the conversation. The night was not yet over, nor were his skills diminished by a hurtful hoof.

The men returned to their mounts, and watched in astonishment as Balthazar ordered the servant, "Prepare the Old One."

"You're taking him?" asked Casper. "He will lengthen the journey. We might lose the star."

"He might not last the night," complained Melchoir.

"He knows the way. We have time." Balthazar mounted.

The Old One's leg was burning while still in Herod's town. He paced himself, listening to the men.

"Should we not arrive in time to send word to Herod as he requested?" asked Casper.

"Do we not owe the king the opportunity to honor this miracle?" added Melchoir.

"Perhaps," agreed Balthazar, but slowly rode the pace his mount had set.

They rode in silence until the Old One stopped. Balthazar dismounted.

"Why are we stopping.?" Casper frowned. "There is need to hurry."

"The sky begins to lighten," Melchoir said, shaking his head. "The night is on the wane."

"You must rest a good companion," explained Balthazar. "The night is long."

Once more on the trail, the men became lost in thoughts of their own. The Old One slowed even more.

"I find it frustrating, Balthazar, you choosing an old mount, known to be lame." Casper fussed.

"Makes the trip tiring. The trail is not for the old and infirm," Melchoir sounded petulant.

He patted the Old One's neck, replying, "Think. It leaves time to consider our actions, when we find the child. The extra time he affords might be of good use."

The Old One put one sore foot in front of another. The trip would be no faster than necessary.

"Should we reconsider our agreement with the king?" Was that worry in Casper's voice?

"As kings go, he seemed pleasant," mused Melchoir. "He did have a mean look in his eyes."

"All kings do." Balthazar responded

The Old One pushed on to a hilltop. Below them was the little town, dark and silent.

The Master and the Old One paused. The others came alongside and waited.

"Do you think the child could be in danger?" Casper scowled.

"Everyone is in danger from a king." There were nods at Melchoir's fearful words.

Balthazar dismounted again. "Herod will come eventually. We could give the family time."

The Old One snorted. The Master remounted.

"We grow near. The star is over the stable." Casper sat still on his steed.

"The sky grows light. Have we reached a decision?" Melchoir did not move.

Balthazar nodded. "They will need funds to travel."

Casper was suddenly enthusiastic. "Our gifts for the Child are of great value," he remarked.

"They would buy swift steeds and leave much to live on," Melchoir said, catching the dream

Balthazar smiled, and patted the Old One's neck again. "Come," he said. "It's time we visit the Child."



The master had seen to his care, given one final goodbye pat. The Old One rested in the stable. He was now a bit of history. He'd seen the Child, watched the family flee, knew they were safe. He'd made a difference; proving even the lame and imperfect play a part in the greater scheme of life. Establishing that camels are not arrogant.

They just know that one night, a long time ago, one of their own earned the right to command respect.