100_1501

Posted: 07/01/22

Sunset 17 November - Maureen Wilkinson

Time between time, a stolen hour.  An hour of solitude, reflection and observation, of a working city in the hour before sunset.

My father spent his working life as a crane driver, working on the eastern docks.  He told me that his job was the best in the world as he got to observe the river and the weather rolling in and rolling out again.

To have the opportunity to observe the city, from such a wonderful location was amazing, to see how the landscape changed as the sun began to set was very interesting.  Queen’s Gardens which had basked in sunshine at the start of the ‘shift’ did not seem so welcoming one hour later.  The layout of the city, which I thought I knew well, surprised me.  From my viewpoint, all seemed slightly different than from the roadside.

What became apparent, very quickly, was the importance the river still holds for the city although the industries relying on it have changed quite radically since I was a child.

Watching the people was also very interesting.  The college students leaving, chasing each other, hugging, chatting in groups.  Their purpose seemed to be one of fun and aspiration.  Watching people leave work and walk purposely in certain directions, checking their phones and their social media was slightly different.  I guess the baggage that some of them carry on their shoulders was apparent in their stance.

Overall, a very, very interesting hour, one which I am grateful to have had.  And now to collect my bed and bring it to the pod!

Thanks Hull, you have been amazing.  (And thanks to my Companion Rob too.)

100_1500

Supported by