Dining at the Albert Dock - The Poetry of Photography #3

As day disperses
boat's engines quake in the wake
of the Mersey's breath.
All photography and poetry is © raj808, all rights reserved.

Food on the Water

These pictures were taken earlier this year in September when my wonderful girlfriend surprised me by taking us on a unique dining experience on a narrow boat, The Floating Grace that traverses the Albert Dock in Liverpool as you enjoy your meal.

I have to be honest, there isn’t much choice as the galley kitchen is tiny and you basically have to choose from a limited set menu, but the food was decent, and the main attraction is the novelty of bobbing peacefully along taking in the impressively lit up Albert Dock as the sun goes down. I have lived in Liverpool all my life, but even I found the compare (tour guide) engaging and hilarious with a typical Scouser’s sense of humour.

I even learned a few new facts such as when the docks were originally built and that prior to a real dock built in Liverpool boats used to moor out in the deeper river channel as seamen risked rowing cargo to shore, a dangerous enterprise in the river Mersey’s riping currents. Many a sailor and much cargo were lost this way until the Old Dock was built in 1715, finally securing safe shore landing for cargo ships.

However, the main inspiration for the Haiku above was simply the feeling of being on a boat again after a long absence from one of my favourite activities. As some people on hive might know, my favourite hobby is scuba diving, but it has been a long time (last dive in 2017) since I have been on a boat diving. I miss it with all my soul, and even this very serine and gentle dock ride with a lovely meal, and even more lovely company reminded me of my affinity for the sea. As the boat doesn’t venture out of the confines of the dock we didn’t get to experience that rolling feeling of waves on hull spinning your mind, and stomach, every which way ;-) I’m used to eating in open-ocean boats, an experience that does take some acclimatization, so I’m quite glad (for all the tourists and my girlfriend) that the boat stayed in the neon-lit confines of the Royal Albert Dock.

Plus it really was beautiful seeing the docks lit up at night from a different perspective, dining near to the water-line as the Wheel Of Liverpool drifted past and the sun set a smear of crimson across reticent clouds.

What is Haiku?

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that dates back to the 17th century. It consists of three lines with a total of 17 syllables, typically arranged in a 5-7-5 pattern. The brevity and simplicity of haiku make it a perfect medium for capturing fleeting moments and expressing profound emotions.

Thanks for reading 🙂🌿

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