The Terrible City

I sometimes visit a terrible city called Anfectungen. I’ve been there many times, more times than I care to remember but never intentionally.  It is a fearful place laden with seeming contradictions.  For example, to enter its gates you first must strive to keep away from them.  And once inside, I become a criminal pursued by justice, especially when I endeavor to obey the law.  The city has a large population, but I never see anyone.  I do, however, hear voices.  Some seem intent on guiding me, but their words are nonsensical and leave me groping about.  Other voices sound more like screams from Hell that make me tremble.  The sun is always shining in Anfectungen, but the streets are as dark as night.  There is no happiness or joy there.  Hopelessness and despair lurk around every corner; and yet, the city seems ordained of God, holy, even blessed.  Anfectungen is everywhere but nowhere in particular.  And the only way of escape is hidden in plain sight.  It’s a crooked old tree covered with blood.  Outside the city, it would be repulsive.  Even inside, it seems odd.  One needs only to touch it.