The InkwellMy mind was focused on two large pine cones
engaged in a race under an iron bridge
determined to reach the other side
in order
to beat the other to the bank
a force of nature willing them on
to reach the end before their friend
if you were wondering who won
of course – it was neither – it was the squirrels
now nibbling on them at the end of the bank
They’ve waited around
practicing their manoeuvres
up and down the canal side
mastering approaches
Eyes focused
for a signal
and a time
and a place of green
Spring afternoon
perfect conditions
for old friends
to compete against each other
Superstar sportsmen
can only sit and watch
as gladiatorial battles take place
on the terracotta tiles
Spectators look on
from vaulted vantage points
up high and looking down
on the contest below
As they take their positions
and wait for the starter
spreading the breadcrumbs
across the walkway
Salford 6th January 2017
In response to the daily post prompt Float
A tale of a Rubber Duck Race down the River Irwell in Salford, Lancashire.
There was pandemonium
at the rubber duck factory
as ten thousand streetwise ducks
waddled out of the city
They moved down the irwell
passing the boats
avoiding the locks
and staying afloat
Cows in the cowshed , watched somewhat bemused
and captains of small boats looked somewhat confused
as geese and their brethren all went amuck
following the trail of a little yellow duck
Led by their leaders, of United Red and City blue
passing under bridges and past an audience too
divided in a moment, by a Liverpool ferry
but meeting in middle – and still keeping merry
In the end after journey , down canal they all flocked
meeting at gateway at Mode Wheel Lock
and first one in net, out of water they rised
and their owner received, a very special prize.
Sunday 22nd May 2016
Location : Old Trafford, Manchester.
Today I’ve been doing a spell of volunteering with Sale Harriers.
I’ve been marshalling the Great Manchester Run…its been wonderful watching the runners on the Old Trafford Stretch of the course passing Manchester Utd! The weekend began at the other side of the city with the Mini and Junior Run around the Etihad Campus (Sportcity)
![10399475_1199713592157_8354205_n[1]](https://inkdropblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/10399475_1199713592157_8354205_n1.jpg)
Even though they were hit by everything the Manchester weather could hit them with – We even had some Sun!!! The race had its elite element with some of the worlds best long distance runners in the Elite Mens and Women’s races. But it was watching the charity runners that did it for me. Not at least, the runners running for Salford’s Brain and Spinal injury charity. I could have sworn a pack of imperial stormtroopers passed me more than once 🙂 Hope the charity runners raised loads of cash for their chosen charities.
P.S. I’ve read somewhere the runners were happy with their tee shirt this year – well, as a marshal i’m really happy with this years kit…a weatherproof jacket I can wear after the event without feeling like an advertisement board!
