The oasis is closer and more real than we think . . .

Head first, my body follows, gliding into the silky warm mineral
water, warm and pure, quenching the thirst that permeates my body.
My skin instantly softens and tightens, finding its elasticity and
color in the healing moisture. I never did belong in the desert, the
scorching sun burning my pale skin and drying my tongue so that I
could not sing, the cold air sapping my body of all moisture at night
so that I could not dance or sleep. Here, in the water, I am light
and move with grace and ease, pirouetting through the pool. The
strength of my muscles propels me wherever my heart desires to go.
I float on the water, arms and legs long, strong and lithe. Why did
I stay in the desert so long, so fearful? When I chose to leave the
desert and its trifling puddles, I prepared my mind and body for the
long, arduous journey ahead. I expected to see myself, gray and old,
the next time I found water. Now, my brown hair streams behind me as
I swim up to the surface, coming up for air, renewed, revived in the
arms of my oasis.