Apparition

hope circulates in whispers

rumors from the castle

that 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 the branches of the linden

catch the pale light

the spirit woven into the fabric

of the place appears in the moment

summoned by the news

remembers what has happened before

disappears as a reflection

of the silent night wind to share

the story with others 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