Slowly

Water seeps slowly through the closed lock gates,

gates awaiting the next barge.

When a barge approaches; it approaches - slowly,

the lock gates slowly open and a barge slowly enters.

Once opened, water passes slowly through the opened sluice-gates,

slowly filling the lock; as we watch -  the old barge slowly rises,

the lock gates at the other end once more;

open slowly and the barge finally exits on its way - slowly

to the Midlands or may-be to London.

No rush here - time passes; slowly,

like the canals themselves.

Everything passes slowly here,

slowly making their way,

slowly...

slowly!