BIRDS LANDING
Sacramento River Delta



Where is the water?

That way.

Over the stubble fields
dry as fish bones.

Is there water over there?

Yes.
Just keep going.
Over the rolls and twists
on the potholed road.
Bank starboard at the Old Building -
provisioner at one time.

A man with a shotgun
waiting for dinner.

Pass the hunting preserve.
The wavy procession of low golden hills.
Boats awaiting the inevitable
beside the stilted houses.
Men in the shade of trees -
Waiting.

Where is the water?

That way.
Just there.
Over the green levee -

Is the water near?

Come back another year.

Birds still land here.