I love to see the narrow boats
along the river Wey, 
with waves to all the bargee folk
who like to bid good day,
I take the dogs to sit awhile
there by the old lock gate,
to watch the crayfish being caught
by boys with smelly bait.

I love to see the water vole,
the otters and the mink,
the swans with young so downy white
and adders that just slink,
the cheeky little moorhen chicks,
the mallard and the coot
but most of all the kingfisher -
clad in his turquoise suit.

I love to meet the other folk
all busy having fun,
the fishermen with patience sit
long 'til the day is done,
and dog walkers I’ve known for years
with dogs I know by names,
of every breed, colour and size
with tails awag for games.

I love to see the boats that moor
and tether for the night,
then smell their dinner being cooked
with laughter at twilight,
when badgers start to snuffle round -
'neath owls slow drifting by,
and sometimes if it’s very quiet
you’ll hear a moonbeam sigh.