Under the Canopy on the canal
19/09/23
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!