Black Valley Withdrawal

You are only memories away.

In the quiet stillness of this morning I can hear the laughter in my mind.

At night when I drift into slumber I can hear the faint sound of hooves

clicking upon the surface of the road.

I close my eyes and envision the valley as I ride down the gap.

The sun is shining across the gentle slopes as if gold dust were sprinkled before me,

and all the while laughter echoes in my mind.

Already I have images of returning.

Images of my children running wild and free.

Oh, my dear Black Valley,

you have reached a space within my heart that I thought had died long ago.

I thank my lucky spirit for awakening my sleepy heart.

Julie Bille