The river undulates,
a snake-like peristalsis
wrapping around the city.
It lets us ride upon
its rolling back, for now,
but don’t forget it isn’t
tame – at any time
the Thames may turn and bite,
a bitter serpent bite.

Enjoyed a day upon the Thames today, but on the final stretch noted how its movements seemed alive.
(01.08.26)

© Ben Quant 2026