Tread those narrow canyons
dark- and lightpool-washed
between tall houses dormer-
topped; emerge to sudden
grey-cobbled space, freshly
snow-flecked, flanked by austere
grandeur. Or is it stage?
Antique cannon prod
the air, snow-dusted fingers.
Blue-clad performers stand
drawn up in opposing
ritual ranks, readied
for their stately dance,
bayonets fixed to carbines
tucked to shoulders.
The Hogvakten are the Swedish Royal Guards, famous for their bright blue uniforms. They have guarded the Royal Palace in Stockholm since 1523.
The Royal Guard at Stockholm's Royal Palace