The Brown River

Polly followed the great river. From above it was almost a moving lake. In some places it was very wide. The far bank was just a thin green line. The water was warm and brown, full of mud.

Then a smooth pink back rolled up. Polly flew lower. Pink dolphins live in the Amazon, far from the sea. They came up to breathe and went down. Their eyes are small. In muddy water it is easier to hear than to see.

By the forest, the trees stood in the water. In the wet season the river floods the trees. Fish swim between them. Some fish eat fruit and carry the seeds to new places.

In the evening the river was still and silver. Polly floated on the warm water. The water moved slowly to the far sea. Then she flew back to the trees to sleep.