Inspired by Johan Barthold Jongkind (1819-1891) – Canal in Brussels – Water color / Black pencil – 4,41 x 6,30 inch

Most of all, Michel loves walking his dog, a Breton spaniel, big-hearted and devoted.This morning, to wipe out his usual daily routine choking him slowly, he decides to take a walk around the canal. He likes being near the water, the few boats and their cargo, and the houses with narrow windows and disturbing similarities.

Pieces of backgrounds cross his aging but alert mind. The river, main source of primary energy, able to run mills all around the place, is essential for the textile and food industries. It is also how domestic and industrial waste water evacuates, thanks to an intense artisanal activity in the city. Moreover, the various hydraulic installations make it possible to improve containing the floods, create a fish pond, water the arid spaces and feed the fountains of the whole city. It is still a major axis linking Brussels to the economic center of Antwerp and the North Sea.

Today everything seems forgotten, turned upside down. Vestiges of ancient times persist and the simplicity of some wooden hulls make him feel alive. He notices an old friend of his far away. No, it can’t be. He thought he was dead and buried a long time ago. As he gets nearer, the face becomes clearer. It’s Marcel. A counter mate. They met every weekend “Chez Zabeth” to hit the box and especially drink shots. When they left, the road always seemed less straight and more sinuous. What a joke! As he is only a few meters from his friend now, when he could almost touch him, he magically fades. At first shaken, Michel wonders where Marcel may have disappeared. He goes around himself once, scans a few inches from him and then progressively further to the horizon. In vain ! After this shaky state, Michel is worried about his mentl health. How could he ever got it so wrong? Did he really see him? Or is an illusion like in the desert? However, he only drank one little shot this afternoon. Still …

“Hey, Michel, wake up ?! “. Goodness, it’s his wife’s sweet voice dragging him out … from his armchair!