let it be known that I witnessed the valley.

imprinted grass like the coast of ritual

washed & walked on & two friends, two lovers

bleated at dogs. here lies a shadow

let it be mine, I say. let it shed warmth.

I stick twigs in holes when friends tell me

of snakes & walk on stones kissing in the dark.

I measure time by sun stripped

on scoured bark, how it traces its hand

over its eyes & closes them

like a lover at a funeral.

when the day finishes, I feel the need to speak.

to break the bread when the light hesitates

to reach out & hold it, just once.