We walked past that inflatable lady,
Launching herself into the water,
Paddling hard to move along.
The wind so strong she blew away.

We walked by the mandarin, 
Forbears escaped from captivity,
Likely imported from China. 
Swimming free amongst the natives.

We walked on. Past
Joggers in the sun.
Headphones on tight,
Plastic smiles pasted on their faces. 

Cyclists streamed past us
Avoiding us, like
The current avoids the debris;
Trapped discarded flotsam.

A woman using a brand new pram. 
Getting her exercise?
Getting her out.
Her old job on her mind. 

We walked, hand in hand.
When we can, we stop,
Lips brush against lips.
Blushing smiles together.

Canal boats, in all states of repair.
A community built along the Kennet. 
A haven in this large old town;
A wilderness in all that rush.