Title: Putney Bridge – Lives and Breathes
Writer: John Dodds
Artist: Denis Aumiller
The work: This original photo illustration and poem Putney Bridge – Lives and Breathes is a 24 x14 1/4 archival metal print. The printing of this original art was approved by the artist. The story of Putney Bridge – Lives and Breathes, was created from multiple historic sources and a dose of imagination by John Dodds.
Description: The writer pays homage to the history and stature of Putney Bridge and his connection to it. From early childhood to the present day, the writer continues to walk over it, eat and drink close to it, or just gaze at it close-up, or from a distance, for inspiration.
RIVERMAN REMEMBERS PUTNEY BRIDGE
John Dodds
I have everything in my head.
The sound of church bells at each end,
the colour of water under the bridge.
And how it has all changed.
The sound of horses huffing and puffing,
dragging the carriages over.
And now the petrol fumes becoming
the whine of electric bikes and cars.
It all changes but really it all stays the same.
All I know is this: it’s the people.
They keep the bridge alive.
I watch and listen to them.
Workers heads down, lovers heads skywards.
Family throngs sharing dreams and memories.
Draped in black, white, and hope.
Courtiers to a new palace that hugs the river bend.
Their lives, their strides,
Their stumblings, their mumblings,
Their laughter. Passing under,
passing over, passing after.
As Riverman I’ve seen it all.
Putney Bridge lives and breathes.
For them, for me.
God bless us all.