French Knight – Haibun Thinking

AnElephantCant wear shining armour
He can not compete at the joustings
But each week without fail
He tells a wee tale
Because he always has so much to say about things

AnElephant again tries this great weekly challenge hosted by his friend Al.
Please take a moment to check out this page to see some superb interpretations of the Japanese Haibun, a literary form which explores the relationship between the human experience and nature.
For this week’s challenge AnElephant draws inspiration (yes, really!) from the photo below.

Copyright Arthur Browne

French Knight

The narrow walkway is barred to the public.
It runs alongside, but perhaps two metres above, a heavily pebbled beach, onto which flows a stream, currently engorged by recent heavy rainfall in the Maures Mountains.
This swollen current has caused damage to the wall supporting the walkway, part of which is now crumbling into the Mediterranean.
He ducks under some tape, striped red and white, which clearly indicates that this section is closed.
He wanders along, half-interestedly surveying the damage, and comes to a more substantial metal barrier of the sort used for crowd control.
An elderly couple, noticeably older than he is, approach it from the other side.
He grins as the old gent, with hardly a pause, grabs the barrier and shifts it just enough to allow his wife to pass by.
They both nod bonjour.
He has a smile on his face as he returns their greetings.
He watches them in admiration and some envy as they stroll on, arm-in-arm.

a knight in shining armour
is always there
for his lady in need