Downstream

the shadow of Boadicea in
her war chariot, the still
impressive bronze monument
designed by Thomas
Thornycroft and placed here
in 1902. Big Ben chimes
midday; a city cruiser churns
up the river water like dirty
snow, there’s the slap of a
police boat speeding under
the bridge. Westminster Pier
is similarly heaving; tourists
buy ice creams and queue up
for boat rides; pavement