Garden

A palace above a strange city…
He tills the garden with gloved hands,
his hair tucked inside his hat.
For a moment, in summer heat,
he lets the wind cool his scalp.
In the princess's tilted mirror,
a glint hovers, a golden bird,
as she combs her chestnut hair.
Let the boy bring her wildflowers!
Dog rose, periwinkle, musk:
he brings them on outstretched arms —
only to have his hat snatched off,
his hair stroked and wept over.
Later, he gives away her ducats.
The maid's children practise their counting,
build and bring down mock cities,
twirl brilliant worlds by firelight.