Feast of the Stupidest Ants

It happens every year. They show up for a single day in winter - and then they're gone.

( Maybe more than you need to know.  )

In unrelated news, The Long Missing Bushi From Mutsu wrote: 
He steps to the door
hoping to see the Lady...
but sees only hems...
Colors layered on colors...
against the pure white snowfall.

The green of the pines
laden with shimering snow
strongly contrasting.
The colors of woven silk
invigorate these old eyes

Footprints in the snow
tiny shuffling geta
Lady leaves her tracks.
Why was she here lingering?
What caused her to tarry so?

(OK, it was in response to something reynardine  wrote here, but it was just too perfect.)

My answer: 
In royal colors
The dusk sky watches and waits,
Her only ally.
"He will not come," she admits,
Turning homeward in the dark.