28th October 2020.
I parked the car at 11am, at Gardham to access the disused rail track. As high winds were forecast with dropping temperatures, I wore several layers to keep warm. After a half hour walk I reached a point where two large trees could be seen. It has been my intention to come here for some time to paint the trees. I found a place to stand and started to remove some layers realizing I could hardly move my painting arm, also, the walk had warmed me up. Starting with a palette knife I painted the sky, before switching to brushes to finish off. People passed me some feet away, down on the track their presence heralded by enthusiastic, loud talking. Some passed on cycles. Then I heard voices... but no one appeared. I looked right, then left but saw no sign of anyone. Then, I realised the voices were behind me, coming from a farm track. A couple, a young woman on a horse and young man walking a beautiful black lab. Friends appeared and we talked, at a safe distance over portered refreshments, gratefully received. A red kite became a silhouette overhead as I painted. The developing autumn is revealing an abundance of rose hips and hawthorn berries. Rose bay willow herb is on fire, with its sharp flame red leaves. Brambles are yellowing yet nettles seem to be hanging on to their greenery. I decide to stop and pack up. As I bend down I see a rusty old bolt...maybe an old gate post bolt. I pack it up, a momento of the day. The walk back to the car is interrupted by a happy, chance meeting, of a couple from Driffield. They had walked from the disused station at Kiplingcoates. I pulled a face, there is something about that place I don't like....just a feeling, it has a bad energy, maybe not logical but there you are. I wonder if others feel it. Back at the car I feed George, sit with him, looking at the setting sun and drink coffee.
An ancient bolt
A foot long at least,
Rust, welded it's nut in place,
A watcher of seasons past,
Of horses on the land,
Of smaller fields,
Of Michaelmas fairs,
When men doffed their caps.
2 comments:
I like the way your pictures are seemingly more and more botanical… As is your narrative.
Thankyou - Observation and seasonal awareness are so important these days to help us keep calm and with mindfulness and to fight inner irritation, perhaps, as life progresses through this anxious time.
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