The Demiurge's Laugh

    I was running with joy on the Demon's trail,

    Though I knew what I hunted was no true god.

    It was just as the light was beginning to fail

    That I suddenly heard—all I needed to hear:

    It has lasted me many and many a year.

    The sound was behind me instead of before,

    A sleepy sound, but mocking half,

    As of one who utterly couldn't care.

    The Demon arose from his wallow to laugh,

    Brushing the dirt from his eye as he went;

    And well I knew what the Demon meant.

    I shall not forget how his laugh rang out.

    I felt as a fool to have been so caught,

    And checked my steps to make pretence

    It was something among the leaves I sought

    (Though doubtful whether he stayed to see).

    Thereafter I sat me against a tree.