The Song of the Waterlily

The Song of the Waterlily
building of a boat

Introduction by Roy Clare, Director National Maritime Museum

"... The Song of the Waterlily describes the unity of a ship in a storm; the message is one of significance for us all as we navigate the rough waters of life. Martin Newell has written an evocative poem that is illustrated appropriately by James Dodds, whose images have the happy knack of capturing the essence and atmosphere of seafaring. His work is on show around Britain and we in Greenwich are looking forward especially to his exhibition Shipshape at the National Maritime Museum. "

Excerpt from the poem:

A wooden boat, un-named, untried
Lies moored and waiting for the tide
With maiden voyage due next day
A light wind ushers night away.
As if to praise the shipwright's arts
A hubbub rises from her parts
As one by one, each sings its song
To prove the previous singer wrong:

"I am The Keel, therefore the king
For me, the adze and whetstone sing
To shape me, scarve me for my reign
Along the length of my demesne
I am the strength, I am the spine
The spirit of the ship is mine
And hewn from woodland oak so tall
Take precedence above you all."

52 pages full colour
linocuts and paintings by James Dodds
200mm x 200mm
Hardback £15

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