I told him, “Look through the telescope,”
As he sat upon a camel, unstable.
"It's critical we find the oasis if we’re able."
But no, he’s peering through a kaleidoscope.

The guide negotiated the latest dune,
Maneuvered the surly beasts with language
Blistering bile to toast a sandwich,
Then capered around like a loon.

I just panicked. “He’s not qualified
To be raspberry,” I thought, “let alone
An explorer." I'd foreseen it. He’d shown
Incompetence all around, alongside

His manic threatening demeanor.
So I shot him.
On a whim.
Bullet couldn't have come out cleaner.


		25 August 2023