![Photo by Omar Willey. Licensed CC-BY.](https://i0.wp.com/www.seattlestar.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/long-way-around.jpg?resize=720%2C526&ssl=1)
Branches overhang
stairs which lead
to a grassy place,
a stump washed in sun.
Seen from afar the flight
became a woman draped
in black and larger
than the maples. She guarded
them like a ghost
a treasure buried and dangerous.
We walked the long way around in terror.
Years later we forget why we avoid those stairs.