Downstream

before the tide recedes and
we’re allowed down. More
mudlarks arrive, skilfully
managing to join the front of
the queue, with ‘hey, mate’
and hearty handshakes.
Now we have to sign a
Health & Safety form and put
on blue surgical gloves. At
last, an hour later, a Yeoman
Warder in full regalia says we
can enter the Queen’s Steps.
A woman shouts, ‘don’t run’
and then asks me quite