Thoughts Upon Arrival

A poem

Endless halls of scrolls and books
Under golden light of afternoon
Curious — unexpected solitude

Water’s surface, crumbling ruins
Forgotten in the wastes of time
Surprise, delight, and treasure
My deep fortress for the night

Driven out by unwise conquerors
Their gold turns back to lead
Ancient monks now hidden gems
Come morning I will know them

Stain of blood to history
Delivered to my profit
I behold — and am grateful
Time’s great alchemical project