Fierljeppen: The Art of Dutch Canal Vaulting

In the Netherlands, a land of windmills and cheese,
There lies a sport that's both unique and bold;
A test of strength and agility, if you please,
A leap across a channel, with a story to be told.

Fierljeppen, or Dutch Canal Vaulting, they call it,
An ancient tradition, steeped in history and grace;
A showcase of the courage that the Dutch exhibit,
A feat of skill that few can master in this place.

The sport is simple, but its essence is grand,
A long pole held between two hands,
A running start, a mighty leap, and a landing on the other side,
With the water below, it’s a sight to see, that cannot be denied.

But the true beauty of Fierljeppen lies in its artistry,
The way the vaulter moves, with such poise and ease,
A dance in mid-air, with balance, perfect symmetry,
An effortless flight, as if on wings, with nimble knees.

Like the fabled Icarus, who dared to soar too high,
The vaulters of the canals, with bravery, take to the sky;
And like the mythic bird, the Phoenix, that rose from the ashes,
The vaulters of the canals, with grace, rise from their splashes.

But this art form is not without its dangers,
The risk of falling, the threat of injury and pain,
A misstep, a slip, a falter, and it’s all over,
The vaulter falls, with a splash, into the water again.

Yet still they leap, with a fierce determination,
For the love of the sport, and the thrill of the chase;
For the pride they take in their Dutch nationality,
For the passion they have, in this, their cultural space.

So let us pay homage, to the vaulters of the canals,
With admiration, for their bravery and their skill,
For their unwavering spirit, in the face of danger and falls,
For their artistry, that makes us all stand still.

For they are the keepers of an ancient tradition,
A symbol of the Dutch, with a story to be told;
A testament to the courage, and the strength of their nation,
A leap across a channel, a tale to be retold.

So, let us raise our voices, in a chorus of praise,
For the vaulters of the canals, and their daring ways,
For their bravery, their grace, their poise, and their skill,
For the art of Fierljeppen, and its beauty, so thrill.










The poem is part of a full version found in the book "Homo Sapiens" Part XV, written by Mawphniang Napoleon. This book is part of the popular "Homo Sapiens" book series, which can be purchased online at various online bookstores, such as Amazon. The book is available for purchase for those who are interested in reading the complete version of the poem. Remember to get all the books from the "Homo Sapiens" series, as well as other books by the same author.

So, don't hesitate and get a copy today from one of the many online bookstores.

Khublei Shihajar Nguh,
Dhanewad
Thank you