Patrick Kavanagh 'Canal Bank Walk'

Canal Bank Walk This poem was published in 1958, the collection was called "Come Dancing with Kitty Stobling". Kavanagh's convalescence throughout the summer of 1955 led him to an appreciation of Dublin's Grand Canal. His escape from lung cancer was a watershed in his life, the sense of wonderment and awe wished for in Advent is evident in this sonnet. Kavanagh begins with a neologism "Leafy-with-Love" suggesting that the growth of plants and grasses on the banks …

…This poem represents the rebirth of Kavanagh as a poet, he has achieved "the luxury of a child's soul", which he sought for in Advent, he is appreciative of the natural beauty of the Grand Canal and its surroundings. Religion is again a dominant element in the poem as Kavanagh uses the imagery of baptism as his central motif in the poem, the combination of redemption and grace sees the poet in a celebratory mood.