Water Lilies

It wasn’t decay that consumed the ancient gardens

Surrounding the manor, but something like it.

Ragged hedgerows gnarled out of line, moss covered

Pavers rose out of walks, urged by roots. It was very dark

From all the trees and the green smell of everything.

Ivy wrapped thick over brick walls. Ivy choked

The stems of the great oaks.

There were pools above ground, tanks really.

Intricate Victorian iron bound glass above ground.

Taller than a man. Lilies spread thick over the surface,

Leaves floating like the open palms of many hands, flowers,

Roots winding past the glass through the murk.

There were bodies suspended upright in the water.