Two Bridges

An updated version of Wordsworth’s ‘Upon Westminster Bridge’

This sight I fear is less fair than it was:

Packed pavements, crush and rush and push and shove,

Crowds spilling from the kerb; while up above

On constant watch police helicopters buzz,

Sly, prying, spying sky-eyes looking down

Upon the London Eye bedecked with pods

That swallow queues and lift them to the gods

To catch a bird’s eye view of London town;

Below the tourist cruise boats ply and probe

The choppy waters – skipper at the wheel,

Loudspeakers spluttering out their muffled spiel

On city sights – the Wobbly Bridge, the Globe;

Behind me endless traffic roars and beeps

Beneath a darkening sky as dusk ignites

A riotous blaze of blinding, dazzling lights,

Dear God, why is it London never sleeps!