to build a palace
to greet the ghosts
which stalk the moonlit halls
to fill the vases
with fragrance of roses
to unlock the bolts
which secluded a greeting, hello,
to spread the curtains open
as golden light spills
through the cavernous space
to allow the breeze pooled from the shore
strike conversation with the window panes
to strike the hearth with a bellowing fire
to fill the kitchen with warmth and chatter
to restore the hardwood floors to its past
chocolate-brown luster
to adorn the walls with paintings which sing and feel
to fill a room with books, books, and books
to sip on sweetness and joy
while overlooking a glittering lake
to feel the grass
cushion bare feet
to fall asleep without an ache in the chest

to build a palace