The Palace Garden
each night
the Royal Astronomer
captures the moon in a white sheet
rubs oil of orris
between his toes
and sets to his studies
he knows the mons
has measured the depth
of the lunar seas
he coughs
precisely at three o’clock
star dust
another
at six o’clock
rattles the lotus flowers
he thinks
the field of pumpkins are laughing
at his impertinence
but next year
his lips sewn tight
he will sail to the dark side of the moon
Gareth Writer-Davies was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize and the Erbacce Prize in 2014, Highly Commended, Geoff Stevens Memorial Prize in 2012 and 2013. He is having his pamphlet “Bodies” published by Indigo Dreams in 2015.
