William.
A tribute to William Grant one of the
first pioneers of Arctic Photography.
Afternoon light, heavy with whiteness
tightened its grip on
icicles hanging from every branching
pine tree and roof.
The ground under-foot looked crusted
but collapsed when
gaining confidence, so plunged William
knee-deep in part slush.
Happiness surrounded this old beardy
hunter who bent grisly
head back to let out manic laughter as,
fumbling he got one final
camera-shot of that called "Wilderness"
After long-time experience,
taught by arctic condtions amid viscous
unwrinkled cold sea-top
sheltering frost-grey mountainous land
for geese-skein welcome
during migration an aged photographer
laid himself down, waved
farewell breathing his last courageously.
-
Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: December 7th, 2020 03:00
- Comment from author about the poem: Remembering the courage of W. Grant - -- arctic photographer.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 32
Offline)
Comments7
Good write Fay.
That's us - in that pic - at present - let alone climbing mountains! Bbrrrr! lol
Yes it is feeling a bit cooler as December rolls in - thank for your visit dear Orchi.
I have seen some of his wonderful photography from the Scott expedition and it is remarkably good. It certainly expresses the cold remoteness in some of the frames i saw. When you consider the equipment which comprised a plate camera and each individual frame/plate it is even more remarkable. Nothing at all like our handy digital little gems of today.
A fine tribute Fay.
Yes my friend - how heavy the equipment would have been in those days and with arctic weather it needed true dedication methinks........ great that you have seen some of Grant's work D.A. and thanks for sharing the memory.
I was not expecting this at all .... probably less than them polar bears n penguins good old Bill Grant God rest his soul took shots of during his coffee break way back in the day .. when snow men were snow men and ladies would crochet .....
cor blimey missus.. I dunno wot just came over me ... a moment of madness maybe .... anyway, where woz I going ... Oh' yes ...a FAB snapshot of a great man who is not nearly remembered as oft as he should be in my book ............... x
Glad we see eye to eye in agreement re. this little tribute Nev. - - yes a true pioneer who left guns for cameras was our great man - his was a different "shot" taken in days when nature living out there was used to snow men with more deadly intent - - ( and just for the record bless ya mon ami though I crochet sensory bags for dementia patients - well I aint no lady ) ........................ x Fay
....................................................... good on ya our Fay .... a splendid gesture my Lady ............ x
A super accolade Fay
Explorers like Grant set the wheels rolling and with such dated equipment took scenes of the arctic notr before seen -- thanks Michael and so glad you enjoyed the piece.
BRIAN HERE ~ Good Evening Fay ~ thanks for your tribute to William Grant ~ Arctic Explorer ~ wonderful photos of the Arctic. When I was Younger I often used to go to The Lake District - Snowsonia & Scotland in the Winter when it is a different World from the Summer ~ scenes wich most people dont see. It gives one a tiny glimpse of waht the ARCTIC must really be like ! Thanks for shating. Please check *2020 ~ How was it for You ?*
Blessings & Love & Joy & Peace
Angela Brian & Smokey ! ! !
Wonderful tribute Fay to a highly courageous man.
Andy
Your words paint a pretty, frozen picture Fay. A great tribute to a true pioneering adventurer.
J
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