The Archer

The Setting: Deserted gardens stretch to a jagged white horizon broken by leafless trees. Stark marble statues ring the plaza where a fountain once gushed. The statue above is an archer, bow drawn protecting a woman with flowing hair.

-Was he really protecting her? she says.

-He will die because of his love, he says.

-Do you think They will come?

-It is getting late.

-I like sitting here. It is a favorite place, she says.

-Today we can tell Them we walked through the solitary halls to the carved door.

-There was the sound of music, she says.

-The halls were dark and cool, he says.

-Pictures of mermaids with tangled golden hair lined the hall.

-Pictures of angels, he says.

-I paused, perhaps hearing music, she says.

-I paused, perhaps hearing the sighs of love, he says.

-Do you know the time?

-It is seven o’clock, he says.

-They will not come now.

-I walked the solitary halls to the garden, he says.

-I walked the solitary halls to the great room full of candles, she says.

-Once I loved you.

-Which way must I go? she says.

-Once I loved you.

-There were many things to see, she says.

-Once I…

-I walked the solitary hall into the dark, she says.

-I walked the solitary hall into the light, he says.

-What costume shall I wear for Them?

-Silver and gold, he says.

-A blackened shroud.

-I will find you, he says.

-I will hide behind the door.

-I walked the solitary halls seeking the light, he says.

-I walked the solitary halls seeking.

-There is nothing left, he says.

-I want to hold you before They come, she says.

-Your arms are cold, he says.

-I am not ready.

-The pink snow of cherry blossoms on your naked breasts, he says.

-The black dust of chimneys on your naked shoulders.

-Once I loved you, he says.

-There is still time.

-I walked the long halls. Perhaps there was music, he says.

-I walked the long halls. Perhaps there was love, she says.

-You will die like that archer because you are a fool.

-God is the archer, she says.

-I hope he is a good shot.

-Who will care, she says.

Deserted gardens stretch to a jagged white horizon broken by leafless trees. Stark marble statues ring the plaza where a fountain once gushed. The statue above is an archer, bow drawn protecting a woman with flowing hair.

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