Fox Footprints/Deserted

by Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth

For works with similar titles, see Deserted.

Deserted

Into the ancient courtyard only comeThe winds to scatter swirls of blossom petalsAbout the bronzen phoenix, and great dawsTo build untidy nests in evergreens.A swaggering magpie perches on the eavesAmong the broken orange-tinted tiles.The gates are bolted—these alone come near,Unless one counts the antiquarian mossCreeping to treasure the last faint imprintOf royal feet upon the worn flag-stones.