unopened books
bound, long unopened
yearn for their masters touch
longing for
release.

nimble feet dragging on
marble floors
cold,
closed windows, shut doors
to keep the scent
in.

raised tower walls
long emptied since the
hunt,
the silence is deafening
to keep the memories
here.

murals long dry
remain standing, with
uneasy eyes
watch as she sits unmoving
watch as the girl
stays still.