The Courtyard Garden

The courtyard garden
Of Nocturna
Lies hidden
At the heart of the club.

It is no ordinary courtyard.
There is no open sky.

Instead,
An immense glass ceiling
Spans the space above,
Filtering the moonlight
Into a soft
Silvery glow.

The night sky
Feels close enough
To touch,
Yet remains
Beyond the glass.

Ancient stone paths
Wind quietly
Between raised beds
Filled with rare herbs,
Curious flowers,
And exotic plants
Collected by club members
from distant lands.

Some bloom only
By moonlight.
Others perfume the air
With fragrances
Unknown beyond these walls.

Members wander slowly,
Teacup,
Book,
Or notebook in hand,
Finding quiet corners
In which to think,
Read,
Or simply listen
To the gentle movement
Of leaves
Beneath the moonlit glass.

It is said
That no plant
Within Nocturna’s garden
Has ever truly died.

Only waited patiently
For the right season
To bloom again.