I am born.
An alevin in a cold rocky bed
With a thousand of my siblings by my side
I think I’ll hide in the rocks for a while
I am hungry.
As a fry my yoke has been used up
And I must seek food for the first time
I think I see some plankton over there
I am protected.
A parr hiding among the willows and rocs
Avoiding the birds and trout trying to eat me
I think one’s coming now
I am anxious
A smolt with an urge I can’t explain
Telling me to go on a journey
I think I’ll go with the flow
I am free
As an adult with open water in every direction
With so much food I need to eat
I think I’ll fatten up
I am excited.
Heading home to where I was born
With the promise of finding mate
I think I’ll follow my nose
I am exhausted.
As I have traveled 900 miles
And laid every egg I have left
I think I nourish my brood
I am complete.
By Thomas Welch
