a guest arrived late

no doubt they get a plate

sixty days since the arrival of the letter
an invitation; a neat chance to do better
atone for regrets made in the hottest of moments

party familiar and host renown
a browse through gowns and a filament stricken gold
a vision came hither and “To town!” she had told

snickers and rumors, gossips and glances
her ladyship popular; inspiring such stances
such radiant light—befitting its shadow

a mirror so wide, the world reflects
”How far shall I stride?”, wondered effects
seeds of an era, watered by love

cheers began with a toast from above
”Here’s to she, who by God’s grace we see!”,
an uproar, some clangs, a sly movement afoot

a fleck lands hair, it’s a sign of the soot
industry standard, picturesque form
this was the moment: calm before storm

bang without grace, left without trace
a bullet descends, Time says “Depends”
a blinking light appears—”Here: quell fears"

every candle goes quiet as if bribed by darkness
chandeliers know better than contesting Her Highness
a reminder was born of will gone awry

assailant hand-posed for a spot in a marathon
false start proposed by a conman’s birdsong
let this be a lesson to those with intentions

divination no joke, a foundational memory
born from the weight carried for some centuries
a short sight to believe it could stop the flow

moment in tow, a canvas bestowed
”Let there be light—an heir to the throne”
another story, wrapped in a bow