Hampton Lock

We cycled on the water. No-one thought
to ask us how we managed such a feat,
nor could we tell. It seemed so natural
to choose the smooth canal. The water lapped
around the tyres, a gentle splashing sound
rose to our ears and made us sing aloud.

At Hampton lock, freewheeling to the bank,
we joined the tow-path once again. We thought
to use the lock would take an age. Besides,
somehow we knew that if we had to stop
between the lock-gates (as we surely would)
we'd sink like gold on setting down our feet.