On the Canyon

The canyon, flagrant, bleak and menacing Impends on me without excuse. The Falling leaves and gloomy shadows of those solemn trees efface a narrow path that leads towards the lonely island. There the Devil sits Amongst the falling leaves and rotting twigs Impatient, bored, and bothered, fending off A droning fly, the guilt without a pang, Until I throw a rock at him, and cry, Hello, my fate, where is the deal we made? You don’t know me? he said, and laughed with scorn. Bewildered, I descend the wilderness, And walk about in rage, towards the fiend, And throw into the lake whatever comes Into my hands, rocks, twigs, leaves, and planks, And clear the path, although I fully know That once I reach the fiend I will go mad. (some geographical clarifications: the Canyon is a piece of wilderness that surrounds the Reed Lake in the middle of Reed College, Portland, OR. there is a small trail going on around it, but not to any island. in fact no trail could go into the island. It would be a paradox.)