Divine Intervention
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:32 am
The bridge of chain was down,
extending to the valley floor.
With dread-full heart I made
the swift descent and
hit the bottom scurrying.
White cliffs assailed me on all sides,
sheer and ice-bright, slippery.
Too late, I heard the Great Beast's
heavy tread -
Above my head the silver waterfall
resumed; its swirling, hissing waters
licked around my body, plucking,
tore me from the walls.
The Beast leaned over, leering,
with five legs scooped me up.
Lifted to the heavens, I beheld his
liquid eyes and loathsome jaws!
I prayed to mighty God the prayer of
those about-to-be-devoured and then -
the Beast cried out as steam rose
from the water, scalding!
Bellowing for mercy, it tore aside
the clouds, released me gently
far beyond the valley,
then disappeared into the mists
once more,
among the torrents roaring,
pleading still for pity.
I tarried long enough to learn
the sounds
then sought the safe-path-home,
at each step chanting to Anansi
"Doo Wah Diddy Doo Wah Diddy"
------------------------------------------------------
Fragment from an untitled saga -
translated into English by Peter Parker 2006
extending to the valley floor.
With dread-full heart I made
the swift descent and
hit the bottom scurrying.
White cliffs assailed me on all sides,
sheer and ice-bright, slippery.
Too late, I heard the Great Beast's
heavy tread -
Above my head the silver waterfall
resumed; its swirling, hissing waters
licked around my body, plucking,
tore me from the walls.
The Beast leaned over, leering,
with five legs scooped me up.
Lifted to the heavens, I beheld his
liquid eyes and loathsome jaws!
I prayed to mighty God the prayer of
those about-to-be-devoured and then -
the Beast cried out as steam rose
from the water, scalding!
Bellowing for mercy, it tore aside
the clouds, released me gently
far beyond the valley,
then disappeared into the mists
once more,
among the torrents roaring,
pleading still for pity.
I tarried long enough to learn
the sounds
then sought the safe-path-home,
at each step chanting to Anansi
"Doo Wah Diddy Doo Wah Diddy"
------------------------------------------------------
Fragment from an untitled saga -
translated into English by Peter Parker 2006