English Canal Walks

English Canal Walks

So many times I have crossed this land

tramping well trodden canal paths on long Sunday walks,

with dog in tow, sniffing and bounding after the mallard and the coot

that sail nonchalantly by, beaks raised in mock distain

or the occasional pure white majestic swans

defiant and menacing with a hiss and bold approach in protection of their brood.

I have watched the changing of the seasons,

breathed warm air over fields of sun-kissed barley,

felt the solar heat bathe my glowing skin,

watched the autumn browns and gold and reds and yellows

paint the once green leaves as the summer sun is bleached a paler hue

and the frosts come in cold gulps swirling from frozen furrows

as clothes take on the weight and tightness, and urgent shape of winter.

I have passed many a narrow-boat snugly tucked into the bank, nose to tail

as the warm sooty smell of burning coke leaves a sense of contentment

in the passing walker, and a mixture of relief not to be  sharing those claustrophobic cabins,

yet envy at the peace life upon the waterway brings.

Some vessels look abandoned, their paint peeling and their hulls uncared for,

while others are clean and gay and bright with names that often lead to wonder.

And at the moorings rarely signs of life other than the occasional tethered rusting bike,

cold barbeque and postage stamp garden with obligatory bird feeders.

And as I pass, I long to reach the half way pub, to taste the fragrant, hoppy ale on offer

and sit a while and watch the world go by before my journey back.  

 

07/09/13

Author's Note

Reviews

[poetdoug]

Wow, you took us right on your walking tour with you.
Great word painting too my friend.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Doug

[Frieda P]

I'm muchly liking this new style and voice you've found here John, not that I didn't love the old one....found myself treading through the seasons, now want to join you in that hoppy ale to take in the view. Great read my friend.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Why thank you my lady! The view is lovely as is the feeling when you reach home!

[Frieda P]

It's all good when your skin is glowing John, my pleasure sir!

[Leslie Philibert]

As I wrote just before, John is writing very well, in a style I have not read from him before, more detailed and full of exact observation..very good.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Leslie, your kindness is much appreciated.