while wand'ring through the desert long ago,
I reached a barren canyon wide and deep--
beyond the feaful edge the slope fell steep;
no path I found to lead me down below.

I scanned the jagged line where plain met void
to right and left as far as I could see--
but saw no likely way that would avoid
a scramble down its harsh declivity.

the choices left to me were all too clear--
how easy would it be: submit to fear--
to turn and leave my journey incomplete,
and tread upon fresh imprint of my feet...

or plunge ahead, and give my boots no time to think--
so gravity be damned, I leapt into the brink!