Karin Brynard writes: an ode to joy in the wilderness

Illustration: Paula Dubois 

Picture this: late night, deep in the wilderness of the Botswana swamps.

My bladder is bursting, but the tent bathroom is occupied. Inside I hear water running, which doesn’t particularly help containing my waterworks.I rap on the tent door. No reaction. Slam with an open hand, harder. Still no reaction.“Ansie!” My tentmate has a ‘slight’ hearing problem. And she’s been inside for hours.