death valley is unforgiving
that's the second thing you learn
every step a risk
every risk potential death
impartial
unpredictable
and even in the dry
shimmering hellish heat
cold as a hard-hearted lover
confusing you
confounding your senses
changing shape and color
by the minute
never the same twice
you might forget where you are
forget what time it is
forget to eat or drink
sometimes
you almost forget to leave