Student Publishing Program ::

Michael South

The Garden

It looks cold outside.
But the illusion is shattered
As you step outside into the
Garden.

No, do not follow the path
That leads around back.
Do you see the opening?
Right there, by the hedge.

Sunlight escapes through
The blanket of clouds.
The hedge row is a shield
From the outside.

The fountain is full,
Clear reflective water; a mirror.
The flowerbed is a canvas
Of untapped potential.

There is a small table,
On which rests a pewter plate.
We sit on the bench
Made of a coarse timber.

In the centre of the clearing
Is the statue which looms foreboding
Over our us and our
Garden.

In the middle of our garden.

Why is it here?
Aged stone, crumbling, reduced to rubble.
A cherub with soulless eyes
Stares out at us.

A beautiful spring day,
A private place to stay.
It watches over us,
Watching over our garden.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2011 EDITION]