ACCEPTING THE TORCH : PELUSIUM

"Pelusium," I think to myself, " City saved from Assyrian invasion by Ptah and His army of rats. If only I could catch Pharaoh's barge from here. This time of year, the Nile is low to begin with, but the drought has wreaked havoc on the surrounding tributary. Even the concerted efforts of Pharaoh's strongest men, assisted by those visiting from foreign soil, can not dredge this section in time. One of Kemet's busiest ports is rendered useless, as far as getting up the Nile via barge."

One assistant brings to me a freshly sketched map. I will have to go by foot to the next passage up the Nile, meeting the barge somewhere near Tanis. The channel there is still free of silt.

I peer out the entry to my tent, noticing the gathering crowd. There is a great diversity in skin and tongue among them, for Pelos is a strategic stronghold as our most easterly city, a trading port. But even the merchant ships are deserted in Pelos today. Looks like nobody is going anywhere by boat for awhile, including me! Well, it isn't too far a run, and I am in excellent shape, after all, I worked in a quarry for many years. A little bit of sun and sand isn't going to hurt-

"Master. The hour draws near."

I turn to see my assistant Titi bearing my sandals as she enters my tent. We have been camped along the coast for days, mentally preparing for the run to Tanis, where the barge Pharaoh has provided awaits to escort me, and the flame, up the Nile. I examine my image in a reflective glass and say nothing as Titi fastens special gold gilt sandals to my feet and calves, knotting the laces securely. The crowd outside begins to grow louder. Then shouting. Cheering. "Come Titi. It is time."

Making my way about a kilometer to the shoreline, I can see the lovely Ahmes approaching. She is nearly exhausted, but has made her journey well - "At last, I bring the light home." And as this beauteous bearer reaches the appointed place, I proudly accept the Torch from delicate but blistered hands, holding it above my head toward the sea.

"Fire of power - Fire of light
Fire of purification and celebration
Bless this, the Two Lands, Throne of Pharaohs
Great Osiris, look upon your servant Oset with favor
Strengthen me with the wisdom of Thoth
Carry my feet upon the wings of Isis
Until I have reached that sacred place, Saqqara
Where the Living Spirits of a thousand Immortals await my coming."

Turning to view the assembly gathered to witness this exchange-

"Blessed are You O Egypt!
O Blessed are You Romans, You Greeks, and Babylonians,
You Tarans, and those of a Land Beyond,
For in a time that is not a time, in a space called Peace,
You have gathered together to witness this, The dawn of a Brave New World."

I am bowing to all the people, from meek to mighty, my forehead nearly touching the ground. Gathering a clump of sand in my left fist, I bring it to my lips then kiss it before turning westward. Blue sea water to my right, the sands of Sinai to my left. And flexing my oiled body one final time, each muscle rippling as the sun shines down upon my skin -
I begin my run with the first stride becoming the second.