PEACEFUL CONTEMPLATION

 

A peaceful walk I stumbled on by a canal.

Occasional walkers pass by wordless, others exchanging a moment of friendly conversation.

Dogs race past, returning to check their owners are still with them.

Some were locals familiar with this towpath since childhood, eager to share its history with me.

A few came from across the world, others our European neighbours.

The occasional plop of a fish, bird cries when flying by, and squirrels overhead, moving at fantastic pace from tree to tree.

A quiet chug, chug brought into view a canal boat, making its way gently by.

Painted dark green with brass trims; cheerful floral curtains with a cat cosily sunbathing.

A moment to admire the colourful plant pots firmly attached, enlivening the scene.

The owner giving a greeting and cheery wave as they slid past to a destination unknown to us.

A sight many of us hoped to see on a canal walk.

Generations past have taken this same walk to see a few commercial, hard-working canal boats chugging past.

Times were tough and essential goods would have been moved by water to earn a family's crust.

Thankfully, I am here now to enjoy and share the peaceful contemplation of a canal-side walk.

As I sit still, watching, listening, drinking, and eating outside an ancient canal-side pub.

©️2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen