Lessons of Moss and Knotweed by Zoe Davis (England, 40)

Back then      we were savages
back then         we worshipped
the moon
as it was constant
in its inconsistencies
                              of shape
and wordless
in complaint of inadequacy.

Winters were untameable
so             we rode glaciers to
new lands
preserved
below
fresh islands birthed
hot and steaming from
fire cooled sea.

Each wrinkle    cost more
every scar          a burden
when nights were darker
                 & days were harsher
yet      we were dauntless
in the possibility of invention
and turned hands from war
to civility.

In ruins of long dead cities
we settled
                  mosslike
unweeded
spread      where sunlight fell
no longer moon adored        aligned
to the changing tides
of our new trajectory.




Zoe Davis is an emerging writer and artist from Sheffield, England. A Quality Engineer in advanced manufacturing by day, she spends her evenings and weekends writing poetry and prose, and especially enjoys exploring the interaction between the fantastical and the mundane, with a deeply personal edge to her work. You can find her words in publications such as: Acropolis Journal, Livina Press, MONO. CERASUS Magazine and Idle Ink. You can also follow her on Twitter / X @MeanerHarker where she's always happy to have a virtual coffee and a chat. ​