Posted: 21/01/22

Sunset 7 January - Debbie Parker

Vibrating wheels against the urban roadway

In the distance seagulls cry

Green domes and roofs of civic buildings

Intersperse the sunset sky

Looking out across the wondrous city in the shadow of Wilberforce

This is ‘Here’.  This is Hull.

 - my vigil this evening has been a pleasure, an experience I will reflect and treasure.  Initially focusing on known landmarks.  I could, across the clear sky, see Grimsby dock tower and the open mouth of the Humber.  I was surprised by the still calm water and one solitary boat reminded me of the loss of our maritime fleet but as you look further there are so many reminders and the manicured gardens of Queen’s Dock and the town dock buildings.

In contrast, the current pandemic gives new symbols like the circles and arrows on the ground below.  Masked people walking home remind me of the current strains on our NHS.  In thought and hope of an end to Covid, give them resilience to carry on.

The sky changes as the sunset painted East Hull pink – orange in the West.  I was surprised at how mesmerised by the seabirds overhead – floating, soaring.

A wonderful experience.  Thank you Freedom Festival.