Like Eden
when the artful conception
that frames the plot
is forgotten
we bless the blossom
by design
a garden is not nature
but within
we play the creator
trimming shrubs
pulling weeds
praising
the sham capabilities of box
in the garden
we are both tyrant and slave
and constant as the papacy
we heel upon the education of ants
bring down a thrush
in song
we are not forgiven
unbidden
we warm our hands by the ash tree
undo seraphim
in nettle beds
by design
a garden is not nature
and we are not
our own creators
Gareth Writer-Davies was Commended in the Prole Laureate Competition in 2015, Shortlisted for the Bridport Prize and the Erbacce Prize in 2014, Highly Commended, Geoff Stevens Memorial Prize in 2013 and 2012. His pamphlet Bodies, was published this year through Indigo Dreams. Find him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gareth.writerdavies