Valley

Step out of the shade
and into the sun,
it’ll scorch your fair skin
and you’ll know you’re alive.

Drop a hooked line
into the water,
the river of silt that wanders
through this valley.

Feel the fish
lay into the bait,
watch it shoot
out of the water
and writhe in the air.

Reel it in and cut
off its head,
it’ll wriggle and slide
through your fingers.

Then you’ll know why
I can't leave this place,
hold it in your hands
and I won’t have to explain.