Finding Gilgamesh
Dylan DiNubile
On the plane to the arid land of Uruk, Iraq, Mike was complaining to his mom. “I’m always bullied for my height,” Mike said “Everyone is so mean! I have no friends!” “Honey,” His mom said, “Your height doesn't matter. Someday, you'll do a great thing!” Mike sighed. The plane, after crossing Saudi Arabia and much of Iraq’s desert, was now landing.
After a long plane ride and a 20 minute bus, Mike began to walk to the body of water he saw. He didn’t realize this river was one of the borders of ancient Mesopotamia. A man with a “Tour of the Euphrates” sign was there. Mike’s mom looked at him, then to Mike. “You can do the tour while I am in the meeting,” Mike’s mom said running to the man. He said hello. Mike’s mom told all about Mike and that he wanted to sign up for the Euphrates tour.
She ran back to Mike smiling and saying that he will start the tour tomorrow. The next day, Mike arrived near where he found the man. After searching, he found him to the right. “Hello,” He said, walking over to Mike with a big grin on his face “How old are you” “12,” Mike replied. Two kids looked at him and laughed, then started whispering. “Stop,” Mike said angrily. Mike ran over to the boys, but they ran away.
The chase went on, until the mean boys out ran Mike. Poor Mike sprinted to the hotel his mom and he were staying at, and lay on the bed crying. Soon after, Mike’s mom came in and asked what happened. “Two boys at the Euphrates river were laughing at me because of my height!” Mike complained as his mom sighed. “I'm going for a walk by the river.”
Mike went outside, only to find the two mean boys out there. The chase started again. After Mike began to peter out, he picked up a rock and threw it. Then another, another, and finally one more. All misses. Mike picked up another rock, and realized it looked like a hand. Puzzled, he kept digging. He found a leg, another hand, and finally a body. Mike thought he had found one of those statues that was worth millions of dollars.
He thought about school, and what he had learned. Sargon? No, he always had on a battle helmet. Mike kept digging. A lion with a nasty smile was dug up next. Lion King? No! Finally, Mike dug up a head he could recognize anywear. Gilgamesh, The King who was said to be 1/3 human, and 2/3 god. This had to be true, Mike remembered his teacher saying Gilgamesh had a lion! Mike screamed with joy, that he had found The statue of the great Mesopotamian king, Gilgamesh.
A Nice looking family approached Mike. They, in shock, screamed in joy with Mike. Mike’s mom came over all the ruckus, and asked what was happening. Mike explained everything. Next a Business man approached slowly. “ I’m about to offer you 47 million dollars for your find.” He said “Umm,” Mike looked at his mom. She nodded. Mike spoke, “No. I will donate this 4000 year old statue of the king who surpassed all kings, to a museum.”
Are you kidding me!” The businessman said “You Idiot! Your such a little kid! Stupid!” The now 3 other families around them chimed in. “Hey! Stop it!” They said “He is a hero, such a nice boy!” “He found the statue of Gilgamesh and doesn't want anything for it.” “He is so humble!”
After the donation, Mike and his family returned to their hotel. It was time to cross back over the atlantic ocean, back home. Knock! Knock! The boys that were bullying Mike were there. “We’re sorry” they said. “Your a really cool kid, and what you found was amazing.” Mike smiled, as if he were Gilgamesh himself.
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