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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