Wriggling uncomfortably br in the confines of the small space. br So many bodies compressed br as the motion of the journey br rolls us from side to side br with crushing of acceleration br and jerks of surprise. br br At last, the final stop br the freshness of air br and sound of birdsong, br as the inhuman container br of our journey is opened, sprung. br The birdsong grows louder br and evokes strange shivers br of apprehension as we grow colder. br br Now picked up gently in your hands, br a warmth of reassurance br in such a large unrecognised forest, br with the sound of waters br unhurried flowing....... br br The steel hook pierces flesh br and a shock of cold water br envelopes in its entirety. br As a flash of shiny scales br heralds the arrival br of two rows of sharp teeth.