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

[Lyn Anderson]

This paints a vivid picture with words - a really solid and enchanting piece.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you KLG

[SHEEMA HUQ]

Barrels of nautical descriptions, the real grind of life for a sailor, really comes across and this is very nicely written, atmospheric, well done.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Sheema

[redflutterby]

You paint a scene here that I could not only see but hear and taste. Of course I live the water...river, lake or ocean makes no difference. It calls to me deeply...wonderful poem John!!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much AMS

[Great Aunt Astri]

I think it was your Muse walking along with you. I like descrptive poems in Nature as I can picture the scene with you. Very observant. Loved it.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you GAA

[Lydia Shutter]

You transported us to England and allowed us to take the walk with you, John. The imagery is wonderfully descriptive. You touched on all the senses. I sat in that pub and had a sip of ale with you. A delight to read. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Lydi.

[s y e]

It's great to see you back and writing John - I love seeing you back here. Good to have ye back ma Scottish bud ;-P

This is beautifully written!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ha thanks Sye. So you are good at Geography? So where is 'Paradise'? lol

[s y e]

I am good at geography, full marks! Did I tell ya? 100% Um...... trick question man ;-D

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Fail! Parkhead is the answer!- I saw your result and thought clever girl!

[s y e]

Yay, thanks. I'm still buzzing and damn, that question always catches me out. ;-)

[Jack...]

Thanks for inviting me along on this Sunday walk with you my friend. It was spectacular. Beautifully penned John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Jack a pint of real ale would really set you up for the walk back!

[Jack...]

Start that and I may never make it back.

[Leigh]

I knew you were a Real Ale man, this reminds me of the towpath walk I have done many times in Trowbridge. Beautifully painted John

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Leigh. Keep walking that towpath and supping the ale!

[Mark]

I like these poems you've written lately. Very descriptive ... you take us on a walk with you and your dog.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you very much Mark.

[Pryde Foltz]

What a lovely walk we just had. Beautiful piece, John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Pryde. Good country air!