Commuter

Transportation in London is a story unto itself. First of all, there are the iconic double-decker red buses found everywhere in the city. This time here I noticed new ones in service, an updated design, actually sleek in appearance given their behemoth size. How they manage to maneuver through warrens of narrow streets crammed with cars both parked and moving is a testament to the patience and abilities of the coachmen, themselves.

Then there are the Underground, the Overground, and the Thames Link systems, all various forms of rail transportation. These trains carry the bulk of the commuters. Any of them provide fascinating people watching on a regular basis. One morning on the Overground a particular rider held not only my attention but also the notice of others in the carriage. And it was obvious to us all that he hadn't expended any money for a ticket.



Commuter


Late morning, sparse crowds
and a pigeon
hops on the train
confident as any habitué
strutting the speckled floor,
checking for stray crumbs,
dodging a well aimed foot.

One round of the carriage
and flawless timing
makes him first off
come the next stop,
squawking to his buddies
already arrived at Gospel Oak
the old fashioned way - by flying.



Marilyn Aschoff Mellor