Lit Circle Post #3 / What is the What

Quote 1: The water was so cold. So fantastically cold. I could not close my eyes, I could barely swallow. I drank from the cool water and felt it flow down my throat, wetting me just under my skin, and then inside my chest and my arms and legs. It was the coldest water I had ever taster
Page 204, Achak Nyibek Arou Deng

Response 1: This was one of the happy moments I've read in the book. Achak was shocked about how good the water was to him. It's sad to see him drink it but at the same time happy. He who has gone for so long without drinking anything healthy or eaten anything healthy. I can relate to this in the sense of being hungry. I thought it was a stupid way to relate to it but it was the first thing that came to mind. Also reminded me of when the immigrants on Ellis Island said that the bread tasted like cake. Some times when I'm hungry and I eat something simple I am shocked at how good it is.

Question 1: What come to your mind when you try to connect yourself to this?

Quote 2: While I was gone, the life in William K fell away and his flesh returned to the earth
Page 217, Achak Nyibek Arou Deng

Response 2: I chose this because its one of many sad moments in the large number of pages that we had to read. And it seems to be said in the way that Achak knew it would happen sooner or later. It sort of shows that the deaths of many of Achak's closest friends has grown on him and he's gotten used to it. Achak has grown weaker than before, his hope is dying and I see actions hapless and without peacefulness. I feel like he is dying inside. but like the immigrants I think he will survive long enough to be reborn at the sight or opportunity and joy.

Question: What do you think he meant by saying " his flesh returned to the earth"