They were sullen in silent
lines of near-readiness – a
still parade waiting a paid
re-commencement – tied
bearing ups – their lineage
found before carts of rags
& coal or tugging crates of
milk street-to-street – less
true purpose now in their
hours for London Bridge’s
phone-led tourists [illegal
carriage is more common
now money is tight – d’ya
know how much it costs?]
& horse & traps’ll disperse
with that first sniff of laws