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.