The Edith May is a Thames Barge moored at Lower Halstow in Kent - once a fully working barge it is now open in the winter months to visitors and refreshments on board; and in the warmer months will do charter trips around the estuary. My sister and I visited Lower Halstow not expecting much except perhaps a walk along the sea wall and a good lunch in the local pub but discovered instead a pleasant village and the barge.
The day was cold, clear and frosty in mid January and with the dog leading the way we walked and looked at the bay. The view was as they say, magic and so I wrote a poem for the day and the barge.
The Edith May – Lower Halstow.
Like the recesses and hidden places
In kitchen cupboards, and attic rooms
These shy Medway river places
Reveal, upon investigation forgotten
Overlooked treasures, or the ordinary
Made precious by sudden discovery.
This river, in January afternoon mood
Lays bare it secrets, dark green, muddy
Brackish water reed beds await the flood,
A twice daily, moon ruled event, and birds
Stalking the shallows, sharp eyed, wheeling,
In clear, frosty sky, and busy feeding.
And now, in soft fading pink sunset glow
The shadows soften on the tranquil water,
A blue and rose mirror to sweetly show
The evening dress this river wears
Showing off the beauty of the bay,
Until we looked for it hidden away.
And this shy place reveals a busier day,
When noble barges loaded, plied their trade,
Carried the regular bricks made of clay
Abundant once, now no more, remembered
By those who know the voyages, and can say
Fondly, the history of the Edith May.