Hampton Court

Richard Morriss

Here upon these padded lawns I stride,

The murky waters of the Thames beside,

To gaze upon the Nation's Tudor pride.

An arm and leg it costs to go inside.

 

The gardens at the rear, the guide book says,

Are "privy" where rude men may not gaze.

They send unwelcome guests into the Maze

Where they can be disposed of for some days.

 

Enter the rooms of state and view the beds

Where Henry VIII of old his presence spreads.

His queens walked here, all graced with golden threads.

Enough to make most women lose their heads.

 

King William here in pomp and state sat too.

Through tall and gracious windows saw the view.

His head more curled than ever nature knew.

His rear upon the padded royal loo.

 

 

 

May 1995