The Lock

Thump! Thump! Thump!
Engine slowly revs
To crescendo
Then dies to idle speed
Once more.
Thump!
Thump!

Slowly the gate
Pushes against the water
Which swirls
Around to form
Little
Whirlpools.

Bows glide forward
To fill the lock.
Gate shuts.
Great clanking of pawl on cogs,
Turning,
Straining.

Watch that cill!
Bows nuzzle gates
That creak
And boat starts to drop
Down,
Down.

Dark sides encase;
The narrow boat descends.
Walls glisten
And pour forth water, slimy sides
Dribble,
Drip.

More rapid clanking
Crashing paddles close.
Gates open.
Light and open water beckon boat to
Pond
Freedom.

Martin Delemare
12th June 2002