The London Eye from Waterloo Bridge, Saturday 6th August 2011, taken by me
Waterloo Bridge is the king of London bridges. Why is it masculine? I'm not really sure. But it's strong, and comforting, and it makes me feel safe. Like everything's okay. (Though maybe that's more indicative of my relationship with men.)
I moved to London for university eight years ago, and never wanted to go back to the tiny town in Dorset where I spent the first eighteen years of my life. Broadstone is sweet, and peaceful, but it's not me. I enjoy a short visit to my parents a few times a year, but when the train pulls in to Waterloo Station from its journey across the south coast, I feel a sense of relief. As my footsteps fall over Waterloo Bridge, I feel like I'm coming home. Like everything's okay.
Wendy Cope has written a poem that reflects upon this magnificent bridge better than my words can:
After The Lunch
On Waterloo Bridge where we said our goodbyes,
the weather conditions bring tears to my eyes.
I wipe them away with a black woolly glove
And try not to notice I've fallen in love
On Waterloo Bridge I am trying to think:
This is nothing. you're high on the charm and the drink.
But the juke-box inside me is playing a song
That says something different. And when was it wrong?
On Waterloo Bridge with the wind in my hair
I am tempted to skip. You're a fool. I don't care.
the head does its best but the heart is the boss-
I admit it before I am halfway across
Wendy Cope
Whenever I'm halfway across Waterloo Bridge, I snap a photo. The view from Waterloo Bridge showcases the best of London's landmarks, and it seems to change every time I cross it. These photos are not very good, but they're a chronicle of my homecoming and I hope the different moods show why I cannot get enough of the king of bridges.
Lovely post. I love Waterloo Bridge too:It's my favourite place to go when I need some time to myself.
ReplyDeleteI can feel a smile spreading across my face every time as I get off the bus a stop early in anticipation of walking across the bridge with the Kinks Waterloo Sunset as my internal soundtrack. (Corny maybe, but it just comes to my mind unbidden).
thanks Jackie! same here, there have been times when i've gone down to the bridge for no reason other than i need cheering up. it really has that much of an effect. glad you enjoyed the post.
ReplyDeleteWow, not sure I've ever taken any notice... that said, I've just remembered that when I first moved to London and was asking friends what was good to do, one of them said that a MUST DO was to get a hotel room near W'loo Bridge and be up and standing on the bridge for sunrise for the most amazing views London has to offer.
ReplyDeleteI love Waterloo bridge, I always take a photo too. I thought I was the only one :-). The bridge is gorgeous at Sunrise!
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