The mud cracks on the jungle floor
the heat rises in a limp haze
a roar of birds aloft in the treetops
I take a bearing
its south to the town
but all I can see is endless growth
Wiping the sweat from my brow
I put down the rifle and open a bag of gold nuggets
three months of toil and this the reward
I laugh, for in this solitude I have learnt to regale the nature spirits
worthy companions, reclusive
Last night I dreamt of celebration
a senorita by my bed
when she spoke it was as if heaven had anointed her
to become my companion
but I awoke to only insects buzzing
and the wash of a waterfall
I pick up the trail again
for I must make the town before nightfall
lest evil befall a brazen soul
under the shafts of a familiar moon