Sunset Valley dreams

06/18/2023 - W243 arrived at our facility this evening, taken by lifeflight and given vital fluids in transit. Zygomatic fracture and extensive bleeding along the cheek; we checked for concussion and found brain activity to be normal.

W243 is a dark red-brown female, approx. 3 years of age. Her eyes appear dark blue (a recessive trait within this population? will require more research). Extensive scarring along her body, and upon further examination, the tip of her tongue has been severed. Heavy scar tissue; an old injury.

Specimen is extremely sedated; will examine behavior upon waking.

they drop her in
a valley ruled by
the wilderness of wild
beasts that rule here

wings beating fast
round; fevered; quick;
into the sky
into the clouds

she lies
sedated still
summer earth
still breeze

she
has
come
home

---

Avicus lifts her head with some effort—no, much effort. it weighs a thousand pounds, and an ache in her skull nearly prevents her from seeing straight.

but she sees—

open skies. open lands.

she thinks of rising to her paws but isn't sure whether she can, yet. her ears swiveling, wary, she lowers her cheek again, relishing the feel of earth against her face.

it's quiet. finally.

that spirit-place had not been quiet, ever. even at its best—an insistent, unworldly hum.

the silence thrums like blood through veins;

she drinks in the air, finding the familiarity intoxicating.