narrow boat purrs along country canal

shirring quiet water

rumples flotilla of ducks and black coots

barely missing lazy feet

washes a moor hen into wet roots

wink of red unmistakable

and the reeds whisper

bending trees sough above the bow

that sighs through purling water

 

swallows swoop and soar

dark silhouettes

scything the sky

skimming the water glimmering

faster than  eye can focus

soundless

 

in freshening wind tall grasses sway

toss together dancing

a bird flits swiftly

slight sketch on stalk half seen

and lightly flutes

perhaps not

the rushes drone

like bass viols in busy symphony

as the prow sighs through purling water

 

early evening boat thrums back to pub

glides bubbles grinds bumps

beer chips dogs people

buzz of talk and quick laughter

this is pleasant

but still –

I soar with silent swallows

and  I listen

to the rustle of  reeds

 

 

 

cbt