Apparition

hope circulates in whispers

rumors from the castle

the pretender to

the throne is dead

the rose garden

is paved over

the cherry trees

are ground to dust

the countryside is silent

under the late

rising moon

threads from a

spider's ascent

of linden branches

catch pale light

the spirit woven

into the fabric

appears in the moment

summoned by the news

remembers what has

happened before

disappears to share

the story with

reflections hidden beneath

the time of counting is nearly over

the world folds back upon itself

waits for dawn and the mischief

of men who do not understand