The lights had been dimmed, and the curtains had been drawn. The festivities had slowly moved to the mansion’s back lawn. Couple upon couple had joined for the dance, Each one carrying blossoms for a flowering romance. The orchestra played a favorite classical song As the couples took hands to waltz the whole night long. The sun had dipped low behind the tree-covered hill, As darkness began to fall, love grew even stronger still. Jealous rages tore through the thickness of the night; Their threatening knives had come to stab out the light. In a cozy little cottage tucked away in the trees, A stout tiny man worked away very busily. Papers strewn about with a pen in his hand, A diabolical scheme had become a plan. As the glittering stars shimmered up above, A lady held no thoughts of the man she used to love. There was a new man who wrapped her in his arms, Enveloping all her senses with his gentlemanly charms. No attention was paid to the cold lifeless breeze Or the stout man’s shadow as he left the cottage in the trees. The man ducked behind the bushes, catching the couple in his sight. One of the delightful pair would never again see the light. He quickly slipped a mask over his pudgy head In desire of the moment when his rage would be dead. Pausing for one moment until the couple came near; He had the perfect shot. The coast was clear. A masked assailant appeared through the gate in the back, With a cautiously drawn form; the plan for a perfect attack. His emotions raged on. He had to end the pain. Two shots were fired into the crowd. Jealousy had won the nasty game. The lady’s warm blood drew its way across the path As the masked assailant slipped into the night through the gate in the back. Not a word was spoken as a phantom slipped away. No condolences were granted as no one knew what to say. Death had bidden them a fond farewell As secrets faded with the lessening swell. A bloody rage had kept the spirits from their birth Unto the world above the beloved earth. Trapped in limbo on hallowed ground, Ghostly figures continue their ghastly rounds. The candles had dwindled from years before, And the tattered curtains lay covered in dust upon the floor. The glorious garden of a time long past Had withered and died; not meant to last. Ghostly couples dance in shrouds of blue Gliding across broken paths to linger the whole night through. A phantom waltz lurks in the dark of the night, Forever waiting until it may again see light.