Machu Picchu

As I hiked along an ancient passage
overlooking a plunging jungle ravine,
not far from the architectural wonders
constructed atop ingeniously engineered
terraces supporting edifices of immense
proportions, all connected by tiers of
narrow stairways — these colossal ruins

now overrun by a midday invasion of groups
brought on the tourist train from Cuzco -­I
came alone to a wayside boulder shaped
like an Inca throne, suggesting I sit

and preside over this undisturbed site,
but I quickly relinquished my intention
of occupying that splendid seat —
just then preempted by a black snake.