Last Straw

Michel bent over, picked up some straw. He bunched it up and threw it to Pabhu, who caught it and stuffed it into the mahawi. Over and over this went.

Then they heard a loud bellow from Al Sharif. “What are you trying to do to me?
That is quite enough straw for the journey, you two. Stop now!”

Michel thought for a moment. “What do you think, Pabhu? More straw?”

“Perhaps we could think of water. Michel. Al Sharif is correct, this is a long journey we are undertaking.” Pabhu used his long scarf to wipe his face.

“Al Sharif, what do you think? More straw or water?”

The young men stood before the camel. He looked at the two men, spit on them then said, “This is the last straw. You know I am old and tired and slow. That is why you gave me an ugly name. Now you ask me if I want to be burdened more?”

Pabhu and Michel laughed, then threw more straw onto Al Sharif. The old camel fell to its knees.

“I refuse to move. Find another camel to take your journey,” whispered Al Sharif. The old and tired and slow camel rolled over for the last time.

The two young men prodded the still camel, then kicked it.

“Now you’ve done it, Pabhu,” stated Michel.

Pabhu stood back, surveyed the situation. “What? What have I done?”

“You threw the straw that broke the camel’s back.”


W/C 244

mahawi = A camel saddle is called a “mahawi” in Arabic.