Thirst, Dad Jokes, and Dearth

a summer recollection

In India, as a child, I only remember summer.

I ran inside after playing. So thirsty.

Dad stood in the kitchen, next to a large pot that sat on the gas stove. A thin flame played underneath.

The water had not been boiled, so I would have to wait. Drinking unfiltered or unboiled water in India carried the danger of dysentery and typhoid.

“Dad, I’m thirsty.” …