Book of Hours
after ‘Book of Hours’, 15th century
A gold and blue salamander
finds me in an ancient calendar,
swimming beside crimson oxide.
I could stay forever, hidden inside
botanical margins left behind.
Sift through lists of saints intertwined
with my questions. I’m tethered
to thistles, poppies, and roses all treasured
enough for someone to paint
in 1528. I hope my inexperience won’t taint
this brilliance. My admiration
settles down beside a curved creation
whose golden leaves call to me,
a rustling cacophony.
Rachael Watson’s stories and poetry have been published online, in print, and converted into a short film. Rachael recently completed a Diploma in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford. Her debut middle grade novel, ELIZABRIE, will be published in 2027.
