I was riding on my horse, one step today, the next step unknown!


I did not know where I was going with this ill horse, what was my sequel.


I had put myself (psyche), and my horse (my body) in a terrible desert which was truly hell, with my own hands, salvation from it looked impossible.


I wanted to get out of that desert of fear, disappointment, and apprehension at any cost.


My main trouble was dependent of myself (psych) and my horse (body) to opium and without it we could not tolerate walking.


I was desperate, suddenly I saw a well dressed man who told me to follow him.
I don’t know why I trusted him without knowing him and I started to follow him when I got close to him I asked where are we going? Who are you?


Don’t you want to get rid of this desert? Follow me and be silent, I will show you the shortest way, he said.
I had no choice but listening to him, I followed him riding my horse and after a while we reached a city with a huge gate.
Welcome to the city of drugs, it was written on the gate colorfully.


The city was crowded with people like me who were desperate to find a solution.
Different groups with strange ads were there claiming that they can help people like me, different scrolls in their hands: methadone treatment, detoxification in 24 hours, URD and etc.


My dear look, so many salvation routes, well dressed man said.
Choose one way and do not worry every one of them are well educated and they can help you, he said.
But let me see, do you have enough money?, he said.


I stayed in this city for a long time and none of their approaches helped me in order to get out of this hell.
My problems became more, before my horse needed opium only, but now some pills were added to his feed.
I will go out of city to the desert and I won’t return even if I die, I told myself.


The desert was more horrible this time, nightmares, hallucinations, feeling of emptiness.


I was praying to die, the well dressed man was not there anymore but I could hear his voice, you are done, there is nothing you can do, you are my slave forever…
Pardon me, I just known him now, he was devil!


One day….


I saw a man dressed in white, I said hi. He answered me warmly and said what has happened, why are you so desperate?
Pshaw, how do I start?


You don’t need to say I know myself, he said.
How would you know, I said.


I was in this horrible desert for years myself, I have salvaged.
Really? Redemption?  What are you doing here then?


Sometimes I walk this desert to help others, come here sit beside me.
What is your name, I said.


You can call me guide. And he started talking…

written by: Saieed

translated by: Ehsan   ranjbar