A Walk in the Park by John Cairney sampler
A wander through twelve of Glasgow’s finest parks, and through the mind of a treasured Glasgow resident, John Cairney. Cairney’s exploration of his home city’s dear green places ranges from Tollcross Park in the east, to the Botanic Gardens, pride of the West End, and even right out to Hogganfield Loch in the city’s furthest reaches. Written with a deep love of the city, A Walk in the Park takes us on a journey into Glasgow’s past as well as through its outdoor spaces. Cairney traces his city’s history back a millennium to its founding by that great wanderer, St Mungo. Through the stories of its parks Glasgow comes to life, a post-industrial city with an unmatched individuality, a thriving cultural scene, and a lot to look forward to.
A wander through twelve of Glasgow’s finest parks, and through the mind of a treasured Glasgow resident, John Cairney. Cairney’s exploration of his home city’s dear green places ranges from Tollcross Park in the east, to the Botanic Gardens, pride of the West End, and even right out to Hogganfield Loch in the city’s furthest reaches.
Written with a deep love of the city, A Walk in the Park takes us on a journey into Glasgow’s past as well as through its outdoor spaces. Cairney traces his city’s history back a millennium to its founding by that great wanderer, St Mungo. Through the stories of its parks Glasgow comes to life, a post-industrial city with an unmatched individuality, a thriving cultural scene, and a lot to look forward to.
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Ode to a <strong>Park</strong><br />
Any green space is a park to me<br />
It’s <strong>the</strong>re to offer, for all to see.<br />
All for free and a change of view<br />
For city people just like you.<br />
A park is not def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>by</strong> its size<br />
It’s really a space built to surprise<br />
By what’s round <strong>the</strong> corner or over <strong>the</strong> hill<br />
Beckon<strong>in</strong>g and call<strong>in</strong>g your feet, until<br />
They can only respond <strong>by</strong> go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Along <strong>the</strong> path directed, know<strong>in</strong>g<br />
It will lead to o<strong>the</strong>r pleasures.<br />
Treasures of sight and sound<br />
A riot of colour trimly bound<br />
In beds of flowers, <strong>by</strong> bush and rock<br />
And as you walk you can take stock<br />
Of butterflies and begg<strong>in</strong>g squirrels<br />
And rowdy children on roundabout whirls,<br />
Notice court<strong>in</strong>g couples wander<br />
By <strong>the</strong> softer places yonder<br />
Near <strong>the</strong> umbrella of shelter<strong>in</strong>g trees<br />
Where <strong>the</strong>y may do as lovers please<br />
Away from <strong>the</strong> crowd<br />
In <strong>the</strong>ir own happy cloud<br />
Safely held <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> dance of romance<br />
That’s played <strong>in</strong> every park<br />
From early day till fall<strong>in</strong>g dark.<br />
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