Imagined Towers

Dotting the northern landscape,
turrets, towers, crenulations,
solid-built, visible lookouts
that used to occupy some central role;
a point to rally,
perhaps an arsenal.

White ghosts in modernity. Still
they draw the eye and feed the imagination.
Barricade the door!
Retreat into the loft!
Pull up the ladder!
Look out below!

We love white ghosts.
Any glimpse into the past
is gold. And though
it’s fun to know their history,
not knowing
is the richest seam of all.