BELVEDERE

If I had riches I would
Build me a belvedere
Windowed to catch the wind
White-marbled steps would lead me
Within its latticed walls
And I'd look out on all things

Seven white horses running
Across the southern hill
Would bring me word of you;
I'd fling the shutters open
And set a songbird free
That it might sing to you

I'd keep a lighted candle
Beside a rocking chair
To catch the flickering moths
They waste their tiny lives so
Counted in summer days
Nobody weeps for their loss

I know there must be someone
Somewhere outside of here
Watching my hourglass
Just because I can't see them
I know they're keeping time
I hope they're holding it fast

I'll send my riddles out now
The four winds carry them
Across the open sea
And if you find the answer
You'll rule this whole fair land
My belvedere and me...