my safe journey

The boiling sun shines over my body.

"Let me explore," I yell. "Let me explore."

I push through branches, snapping sticks. I trip.

I stop at the rushing river.

I huff, I puff, but I don't stop.

Fish jump, I run, keep sprinting.

As the hot sand melts into my feet, my heart beats fast.

I dive into the depths of the river.

I swim, but suddenly I see something move out of the corner of my eye.

As the spotted handfish lie harmlessly on the river beds,

I watch the sun set under my feet.