Come Hell or High Water

Such is life. Bad things do happen to good people.

Come Hell or High Water By Sami Khalil

They would leave on a ferry to reach their destination. A congregation of local Baptists, had found the perfect spot to do lapping baptisms, in the bayous of Louisiana. Onlookers could see seagulls speedily dip and dive, catching some fish, crickets chirping and frogs hopping from spot to spot, in this “Sportsman’s Paradise.” There were many rumors of downstream colonies of gators, but not where they were. After singing joyful noises to the Lord, an itinerate preacher, who came from Mississippi, would pray, then baptize the flock to whoever’s needed. It gave them indescribable feelings of joy, keen not on forgetting God’s blessings. Then he would deliver a feisty sermon on hell and brimstones. Even the bayou witches, like the famed Marie Leveau, could not escape that wrath. One day, an unfortunate incident happened that changed the course of the conversation. It was storming hard that day, rain pattering faces, turning the water muddier and muddier, limbs ripped by heavy winds. Some minds wondered from peace to anxiety. The inviting place became hostile. An alligator sneaked up on them, biting the preacher, dragging him to the abyss, suffocating the poor soul on the way to no avail. That picture spoke a thousand words, tucked away in sad truths. Distressed, attesting to the viciousness of gators, the congregation saw signs of revenge on their suffering souls. With blood pumping, boiling in the veins, some adult hunters, came back in small boats, hunting and killing every gator found in the narrow channels. If salvation is near for the believers, damnation is nearer for the reptiles.” Be fruitful and multiply,” was for humans only, not them. These dangerous muddy waters are fiddling with fury. They cleansed the swamps finally, playing to the drums of victory under the silvery moon. Even the local newspaper reported that victory. Safety has returned. So, the congregation went back to their honored ritual, after great patience and cowering. The sun was bright, soothing winds scattering Southern comforts, jazzy themes playing mind tricks when a  new chosen preacher was mocking death, preaching the baptism of the living, invoking the Spirit of God. Then a shadow of a crop-duster appeared roaming above their heads, with signs of distress. It crashed into them, shattering to pieces, killing them instantly. No one could bail them out. It was a death by misadventure as the local paper stated all over. 

  

 

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

One bad apple in a barrel, then you don't destroy all the good ones. Another great read from your pen Sami. Enjoyed with a cup of tea on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Chris

[peter Duggan]

Hi Sammi. There lies another great story by you, You definitely have a great talent for writing these stories, my friend. This human species often make me so sad. One alligator kills one man so these so called Christian's kill many, many other Beasts as revenge. Now this sounds like a mob of heathens, not Christians. I say that once again Karma had it's day. serves these idiots right. There are so many hypocrites hiding behind a religious mask. Keep on writing, my friend, I will keep reading....Peter

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You are very good at deciphering the truth and package it in good form. They do exist in all religions and they wreak havoc on humanity. History attest to that. Mass wars, genocides, holocaust .....You keep reading and inspiring and I will continue writing. Be blessed.

[wordman]

the old witch is still on call and still rules the bayua
great write sami

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! So true and well articulated. Thank you so much beloved poet for all. Glad to see you.

[wordman]

you`re welcome sami

[Sami Khalil]

:::::)))))))

[Neville]

This is an amazing bit of story telling and at its best... reads like it may have been written many, many years ago by an observer of such tragic occurrences... impossible for me to distinguish between what is essentially historical truth and the authors incredible capacity to create adventures such as these..... quite brilliant Sami and I thank you for posting........... Your friend and fan,, Neville

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You never cease to amaze me with your sharp mind and intellect. Very observant and right on the money. Thank you Neville for an outstanding review. God bless...

[Neville]

My pleasure as always my friend... Neville

[Sami Khalil]

:).................

[Sami Khalil]

." Even the bayou witches, like the famed Marie Leveau, could not escape that wrath."

Sami Khalil