TUNNEL
Leaving behind the lock’s bustle
we nervously head the boat
through a cutting shaded with green,
birds singing a brave tune for us,
until we see the gloomy hole
gaping between brick portals,
inviting us into the dark.
Dark for two miles, to be endured,
just our dim lamp shone on rough walls,
shadowy, imprecise edges
where the lapping water meets the stone,
damp smells and dark drips. A grey light
looms up then a deluge of rain
as we creep beneath an air shaft.
We shiver for the dark resumes
while the boat moves on, relentless.
In the distance a faint gleam glows,
flashing and dipping through the murk
it gradually grows brighter
filling the cavern with gold coin
dazzling on the crumpled surface
till it explodes, a blinding eye -
how to find the watery way
between the remorseless walls
and the advancing dragon light?
There’s a rush, a swirl of water,
an unintelligible greeting
and they’re gone, just a white light
receding, a whiff of diesel
and then another brief cascade.
Still we move on watching once more
a possible prelude to light,
yet more dragons to devour us?
But as it grows the shape is round
and welcoming, the way is clear,
the walls draw back, the boat breaks through
into the liberating light.