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two minutes to eternity
Thursday, July 14th, 2005 12:26 pmThe noon two-minute silence was observed very faithfully in the Victoria area. The Mayor's suggestion that everybody decant outside in a show of solidarity and defiance made for a very surreal spectacle.
Just before noon, all traffic stopped, and most drivers switched off their engines and stood next to their cars. The crowds of office workers fell silent; the bell Westminster Cathedral was clearly audible tolling out the seconds.
And then, after two minutes, the engines started up again and the traffic moved. People turned and broke into small groups and dispersed back into offices and out into the city. I only saw a couple of people over in the distance moving during the silence, and a couple of vehicles at the intersection. Otherwise, all was still.
In a moment of irreverence directly afterward, I had to check to ensure that there was no sign of a midget butler with a multi-coloured umbrella. There wasn't. Nor was there a patrolling weather balloon.
Be seeing you.
Just before noon, all traffic stopped, and most drivers switched off their engines and stood next to their cars. The crowds of office workers fell silent; the bell Westminster Cathedral was clearly audible tolling out the seconds.
And then, after two minutes, the engines started up again and the traffic moved. People turned and broke into small groups and dispersed back into offices and out into the city. I only saw a couple of people over in the distance moving during the silence, and a couple of vehicles at the intersection. Otherwise, all was still.
In a moment of irreverence directly afterward, I had to check to ensure that there was no sign of a midget butler with a multi-coloured umbrella. There wasn't. Nor was there a patrolling weather balloon.
Be seeing you.
