I'm sitting in my courtyard again.
It's not mine though. Not really.
There's no sign with my name on it.
But I'm always the only one here.
So, in my mind, I lay some claim to this spot.
It's beautiful here. Peaceful.
Secluded.
Something about the design, the aura,
that draws me.
It's not complete though.
The statues, footbridges, rocks, planters...
they give it depth, serenity.
But the water's missing.
Weeds have begun growing in the pool bed cracks,
and it's dirty, unkempt.
Mostly left to its own devices.
Phantom waterlines lap at the edges
the ivy slowly creeps closer
and a sparrow sings out, heralding another early fall morning.
People walk past
not bothering to more than glance past the gates and bushes.
Perhaps that's the problem
why this spot is overlooked by so many -
you can really only see it from one side, one opening.
All the others are obscured,
unless you get really close.
And even then, when you see its state,
I guess everyone decides it's not worth the work to fix up,
restore to the beauty it's obviously capable of.
Something about that realization makes me sad,
and makes me determined to do what they won't.
One day, they'll glance and double-take,
finally properly awestruck
at the true aura and beauty
of my courtyard.
I'm not completely sure how I'll do it
but I'll find a way.
Until then, I'll visit my pretty, hidden little courtyard
when I can.
We'll keep each other company.

9/22/08 10:15am