The Underworld

The Underworld There is a path that leads to the bridge. Well, not exactly. It leads under it. Why would anyone want to go that way? You might ask that question. I might dare to answer, but it will be only what I know of... so far. The trail starts up high at the road. It winds down, and then... It stops. It ends at a large rock. It is the size of a giant's fist. I wonder how it got this far, from anywhere that "it" is not... the rest of his body? Then... all around, there are plants, pretty, pretty, weeds you see. They are purple, with yellow beaks. They are not birds, they are "nightshade". Avoid them, dare not touch them... go around. There is no direct trail anymore, there is only a place where some have passed by and returned, while others did not. We are nearer now than we were before. The great concrete and iron structure loom ahead. The day is bright, but it is not here in this place. Instead, it is cool and dim. The echo of small birds chirping, is a song sung in unison to the one sang by seagulls on the coast to mermaids, as they brush their hair. Don't stare... if you see them clear, for fear they will take something you have, and not give it back. The trees reach the ceiling and then climb around. They embrace man's interference in the land. It is not as if they had a choice, but it is both obvious and apparent, that they have no reason to be concerned. Now the world beneath is before me, although the road continues, makeshift in its irregularities. There is a stack of stones... one upon another. It proves I am not the first, and I will not be the last. Yet, it does not diminish my adventure. The journey into a place, I have never been before until now. There are marks on the ground. The coming and going of the night animals. Coon, skunk... and other things. They are asleep now but will be back. I can see the river from this point. It is rolling rather fast. The monsoons have filled its banks. There is no storm here, near... This is all from the mountains to the north. Strange sounds make my heart beat faster. I turn and go back home, while I can still find the way. I will not stay forever, not this day.