Posted by Ed Kiser on May 28, 2010 at 17:49:43 user Kisered.
In looking at LAKELANDCAM.CO.UK, a collection of fantastic photos of the Lake District by Tony Richards, today's offering has a poem describing the sounds, feel, and smells of the Lake District, as experienced by one visually impaired.
The Ransome characters place a lot of value, upon their arrival in the Lake area, to catch that first glimpse of the lake, announcing that sighting with a cry of joy. But they can SEE it.
I wonder if they could recognize the scent of the place as they got nearer.
Here is the poem, thanks to Tony...
Ed Kiser, Kentucky
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The Lake District without Sight.
Water laps gently round jetty and pebble,
Where ducks and swans gather to flutter and squabble.
High above in a breeze, ropes on metal masts rattle,
And below all the crew and crowds tittle-tattle.
Boots,shoes,trainers tramp cobbled streets and tarmac lanes,
Today everyones tapping,with poles not with canes.
Jackdaws chatter from chimneys and weather vanes,
The butchers door opens with loose rattling panes.
Becks at trackside full with water rushing.
Ghylls gouge the rocks like rolling thunder crashing.
Deep peaty bogs stain gaiters with earth,smelling,
Between soft springy turf where Herdwick are dwelling.
Pubs on each side greet towny and yokel,
The chink of their glasses as each becomes vocal.
Rucksacks piled high with coats,become focal
Points to guide you to the bar like a local.
Walls built of stone cut round or cut square,
Mark your way,your clothing,scar legs if bare.
Fields bleating with sheep, single lambs or a pair;
Overhead a Buzzard mewing circles high in the air.
Great Gable and Haystacks,Pillar,Steeple,Scafell.
Skiddaw,Kidsty Pike,High Stile and Kirkfell.
Names all around,not just to see hear and tell,
But places to visit,through touch,taste and smell.
Colin Antwis