Madness on the Mountain - Josh Tillman

The day I ventured a walk

Of the flooded trail

I gave no thought coming down

I was seven miles up the mountain by the time the sun went down

Oh black branches

Too high to be wielded

Though the ground is moving

Moving under my feet

I lay down and speak

Deep deep to the heart of the wood

Where life has but one thought

Come alive you vainly doomed

Break the arms you’re clinging to

The serpent didn’t need them

But he’s less terrified of truth

Drink the tea your lady made

Conjured sisters to elate

I see them bathing in the river

As vipers menacingly wade