I enjoy looking at nature, just standing still to observe it – but on a SUP! I wrote this poem based on William Davies poem “Leisure”, but totally rewritten from the point of view of a chilled out paddler, aged 75. I’ve spent most of my life as a carer for my late wife. Now that I’m on my own, I have more time to indulge in such relaxation. But at 80 years old, I’ve not been out much for the past 2 or 3 years.

Standing on the Water

What is life, if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare
At nature all around us there
Standing on the water

No time to watch the dragonfly
Ospreys darting from the sky
To snatch a fish swimming by
Standing on the water

No time to hear the sounds around
Wildlife there that just abound
Enjoy the peace that you’ve just found
Standing on the water

No time to stare at waters edge
Ducklings coming through a hedge
A heron still, on a ledge
Standing on the water

No time to put the paddle down
Chill out, and relax that frown
Forget about that night in town
Standing on the water

A poor life this, if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare
At nature all around us there
Standing on the water