Then and now

Keith's Ramblings

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00‘Stand tight’, hollered boatman Gideon. Hercules, his trusty horse tugged on the rope with all his might, stretching it, then, standing four square waited for the barge to start moving. ‘Forward’ ordered Gideon as he slung the beast’s lead over his shoulder. Once again their daily journey along the canal was under way.

Like his father and his father before him, Gideon transported grain in the timeworn narrow-boat, Marion. In foul weather or fair, on rippling water or still, Gideon went about his work uncomplaining. Through locks, under bridges, along the muddy towpath.

Years passed by and the time came for Gideon to step back and rest his weary body. He never had a wife, a mistress even, so there was no son to pass Marion on to.

After mooring Marion for the last time, he carved his initials and the date on the cabin door. He stroked Hercules. ‘You done well ‘ole fella’ he whispered as his beloved horse was led away.

As Gideon sat on a bench outside The Duck and Swan Inn, tankard in hand, he watched the next generation of boatmen trudging by and reflected on his past. He had been contented but then he’d known nothing else.

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‘How old is she?’ asked a father, ushering his wife and excited kids onto the canal boat.

‘Marion? We are not entirely sure, but she was a working barge until July 1926’,  the captain said, pointing to the cabin door. ‘Make yourselves comfortable and enjoy your trip’.

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© Ayr/Gray

Thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E.Ayr for hosting The Unicorn Challenge

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24 thoughts on “Then and now”

  2. Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶's avatar The Sicilian Storyteller May 4, 2024 / 13:53

    An excellent story with great photos, Keith. I enjoyed this read very much.

    There a pub in my hometown called The Duck Inn; the food is awful and the beer is flat but the company is fantastic!

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    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings May 4, 2024 / 15:15

      Thanks, Nancy, the photo took longer to create than the story!

      There’s a 14th-century pub near me with very low wooden beams – on one there’s a sign that says Duck or Grouse!

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  4. ceayr's avatar ceayr May 4, 2024 / 15:15

    Poignant tale of lost (and maybe simpler) times, Keith.

    But not necessarily better, hmm?

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  5. hilarymb's avatar hilarymb May 4, 2024 / 16:42

    Hi Keith – the way it was … I look at life in the Penwith area of Cornwall (Newlyn & St Ives) and hink back … some I remember – some definitely before my time! Cheers – they were the days … Hilary

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    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings May 5, 2024 / 15:55

      We had quite a few canal holidays years ago, and there were still quite a few horse drawn barges about then. As you say, they were the days, my friend!

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  9. Margaret's avatar Margaret May 5, 2024 / 08:20

    I was getting ready for a sad ending, but no. I love this story, and I’m so glad the Marion found new owners to bring her back to life.

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  10. jenne49's avatar jenne49 May 5, 2024 / 14:11

    A life, Keith, in all its richness and continuity.
    ‘He had been contented but then he’d known nothing else.’
    I suppose that’s neither good nor bad, but simply how life was.
    And you’ve really captured the tone of the times.
    And the contrast with Marion’s new career – I hope her walls whisper tales of long ago to these children.

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    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings May 5, 2024 / 16:26

      Thanks so much for your generous words, Jenne, I’m so pleased that my tale had the cdesgired effect!

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  11. Dale's avatar Dale May 5, 2024 / 19:07

    You have given us a lifetime in this short story. It has to be nice to find yourself at the tail end of your life and feel content. Knowing nothing else has nothing to do with it. And, Marion lives on with a new purpose.

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  12. clark's avatar clark May 5, 2024 / 19:23

    very touching (and well executed… damn! the production standards ’round this ‘hop has got me waking up in the middle of the night… )

    lol

    Excellent readage

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