Golden week when children play,
I see no shadow in tall grasses wave.
Through the forest trail, the cold mountain air,
where has she gone? Why wasn’t she there?
The birds chirped away into the canopy.
The wilderness took peace as the night caved in.
Threat was slipped under our door, a piece of
misread script asking to offer a gift.
Wrapped a rock as I was told to deceive for gold,
but as suspicions grow, saw through it, and took
an overgrown step leading to a disturbed river below.
Searched for marks, but were left with the unknown.
We found her disguised in an alley on a nearby farm,
her skirt was ripped, and was tied around her eyes-
her skin like snow looked graceful in the morning light.
Shuddered for hope, so I left my shadow behind.
I ran out of breath running into the dense woods,
leapt across fences through engraved marker stones.
I reached our door, and saw a noose shafted in a joist,
and I couldn’t remember what I have done after all.
