Our Under the Canopy group had a fantastic trip along the Aire and Calder Navigation, with the lovely team at Canal Connections, to kick start our current term of activities.

Here’s a selection of photos and and poems based on conversations and notes made during the trip…

Canal Connections – by Matthew Bellwood

Gliding gently on the water

Slipping slowly through the land

Listening to the towpath chatter

Moving softly, time in hand

 

A kingfisher darts across the bows –

A technicolour flash –

Between the plastic buoys,

That bob beside the bank,

Like a line of submerged belisha beacons.

A colony of cormorants

Watch its progress –

Solemn sentries,

On the abandoned warehouse roof.

 

Gliding gently on the water

Slipping slowly through the land

 

A cyclist with a top hat and a boom box,

Breaks the silence on the bank –

Blasting out pop classics

Into the still morning air.

In the background the engine purrs

Like a fat contented cat,

While overhead,

The gulls wheel,

Their cries an echo of the distant sea

 

Listening to the towpath chatter

Moving softly, time in hand

 

The navigation widens,

The water a flat, dark plain,

Flecked with gold,

From the flickering autumn sun.

A cormorant dives,

Disappearing like a sudden ghost.

Ripples spread across the surface,

Disturbing the reflection

Of the painted concrete wall.

 

Gliding gently on the water

Slipping slowly through the land

 

On the boat the people murmur –

Discussing the merits of the

Waterside graffiti.

Sharing recollections

Of the terrible flood

That swallowed Kirkstall

And left Bramley an island.

Marvelling at the mechanical weirs

And the salmon leap and the eel ladder.

 

Listening to the towpath chatter

Moving softly, time in hand

 

The boat turns,

Leaving a foaming swell in the water

Heading back towards the docks

And the waiting taxis.

Back though the lock,

That lifts us, like a toy boat,

To the higher ground,

And past the new footbridge,

That is haunted already by a ghostly sailor.

 

Gliding gently on the water

Slipping slowly through the land

Listening to the towpath chatter

Moving softly, time in hand

 

Ahoy there shipmates! Draw the Anchor – by Peter

Ahoy there shipmates! Draw the Anchor

A life on the Ocean wave

The safe fresh air

 

Passing Hunslet Mills

It’s as far as we got…

Skelton Bridge.

 

I usually cycle over this bridge

So, it makes a change

To sail underneath it

 

Thanks to Skippko, Canal Connections, Amber Cars!

Leeds Beach, Flooded With silt.

Ahoy there shipmates! Draw the Anchor

 

We have seen the Cormorant

It’s a diving bird

They stand on top of buildings drying their wings.

 

Canal Connections

Dragons on the water

Watery words

 

Thoughts swimming

Living dreams

Under the Canopy.

 

The fish ladder

Mellow Willow

Passing Thwaite Mills

 

Ahoy there

shipmates!

Draw the Anchor!

black and white photos by Peter

above 6 images by Yvonne

https://canal-connections.com/

And art works sent in from Yvonne…

And poems inspired by the first session back at Hollybush Conservation Centre…

Under the Canopy round table – by Peter

Listen to the living voice!

It is hanging with leaves that round table.

Space for all around that round table

a table that rolls away worries

leaving only poetry and peace.

 

Beware take care of You and Yours! – by Peter

Under the canopy

uneven paths

outdoors – indoors

open sides

fresh air!

 

When it’s dry bring your coat

and when wet do as you like!

 

Rickety benches bring a mat

to sit upon

 

A poetic framework

groundwork for your story.

 

And a time to enjoy the café!