Prompt from PowerOfPens: Holmes has to learn about astronomy.
Asteroid
"Holmes, my dear fellow, it's two in the morning!"
The bleary-eyed doctor addressed his good friend.
"Four nights in a row, you have sat here in silence;
What possible purpose, and when will it end?"
A table lamp lit, and Holmes closely scrutinised;
Watson's brow furrowed, concern on his face;
Dark shadows, strained features, and cheeks gaunt and hollow.
"Holmes! You've been working too hard on a case!"
The detective smiled wanly, then turned to the bookshelf,
Retrieved a small volume, its title writ plain;
"The Dynamics of an Asteroid", James Moriarty.
"Dear Watson, I've read this again and again;
The theory of chaos, an uncertain universe;
Reduced to mere numbers; a cold, soulless game;
I have to learn more of this elusive professor,
His stark calculations, his ultimate aim.
There are strands to connect, there's a pattern unfolding;
A danger emerging, I cannot ignore."
Watson was tempted to scoff, but a shiver
Went through him like nothing had chilled him before.
Holmes shook his head briskly, dispersing his demons,
And added a comment, he could not resist;
"And at least, if I'm wrong, I've now studied astronomy;
Item three of -my limits- to strike from your list!"
~0~
A/N:Item three refers to a list of Holmes' limits compiled by Dr Watson in "A Study in Scarlet".