The View

by Emma Hardesty

In the stasis of afternoon sunlight

With the shadows of leaves covering the road

The queen sat on a stone bench

Next to the well

So much calm dust had risen

That the air was pink

And the king came by

He sat down and she turned to him

While saying, well, it has happened

She smiled as he

Waited a moment and said, good

She said, yes

And narrowed one eye

With remarkable strength

They turned their heads to watch the light

Through the olive trees

From where they sat there was no indication

Of business suits, cotton candy

Or milagros

They were in public but king brushed a finger

Across her belly

Queen smiled