Poem: Giant of the Estuary

Flintshire Bridge spans the river Dee at Connah's Quay

By Thomas Hughes from Shotton Thomas's poem was inspired by the Flintshire Bridge which welcomes him home on his daily commute

With bounding strides I make my way empowered by the morn. Through paths of trees and plants and shrubs awakened by the dawn.

Beside the lamp lit platform, my carriage waits for me, Signalling impatience with the blowing of its horn.

'Another day! Another day! Have a good 'n', I hear him say; The looming shadow of the giant that strides the estuary.

His legs apart his head held high, his beacon lighting up the sky, Bathing clouds in hues of red, warning planes of what's ahead.

Ten minutes pass and I alight, into a puddle to my delight! My shoes are soaked, my clothes are sodden, but on I beat the path well trodden;

Collecting raindrops as I go, with a little luck it may just snow! Cancelling my journey home, and on, and on, and on I drone.

Myself to blame I do reflect, too optimistic I suspect; I should have known my curse to Blighty would eventually come back and bite me.

An amusing figure I must make. A drowned rat for pity's sake! It gets no worse though I suppose, this, the first of my New Year pros.

As my day draws to its end I ponder what's around the bend. Will it thunder, will it rain? Will I end up soaked again!

I care no more for I'm resigned to whatever nature has designed. So bring it on and do your worst, I know that my commute is cursed.

As I cross the border home a friendly figure stands alone. Welcoming the passers by, his arms outstretched, his head held high.

'Another day! Another day! Welcome home', he calls to me. His long legs astride the Dee, the giant of the estuary.