The Thames Barrier 1
This work is dedicated to the Thames Barrier. I would cycle here often during lockdown and sit on the sides of the brick and concrete banks, bright green and marked with rusting ship chains and the ghosts of old docks, watching as they slipped into the river.
Mornings, the Thames Barrier asks me how I slept.
I have cycled here already, sixteen miles from Lambeth, so I am no longer tired.
Sleep was sixteen miles ago.
You should express yourself more, says the Thames Barrier.
Open up.
What’s the loneliest you’ve ever been?
Sometimes I really hate the Thames Barrier.
Sometimes I think the Thames Barrier thinks I’m in love with it,
Like that woman who married a brick wall,
She was on the television and everyone laughed at her
But I think they laughed because they were afraid
Afraid of waking up one morning and being in love with a wall
I know I’m afraid, although, now I think about it,
It may have already happened.
The Thames Barrier is only a wall some of the time.
When it tells me to open up I think it is very unfair
Because it does not decide when it is opened or closed
It has radial arms and sector gates and hydraulic pistons operated using fuel oil or in a real emergency, manually,
Based on intelligence gathered from storm warnings and shipping forecasts and tides, and
If only I could be opened and closed like that, I say.
Is this a real emergency, it replies.
If it is closed too quickly it could cause a rebound wave that would flood most of Essex.
Mornings, I say, why so silver
And the Thames Barrier says, I’ll be your mirror
And I say, I can’t get that close
Recitals
Phoebe Demeger
At the time of recording, my partner and I have just completed a two-week walking holiday along the Thames Path, from the source in Gloucestershire to the outskirts of London. We are currently planning when to strike out again and complete the route, the Thames Barrier being our final destination. I was drawn to this piece, as it speaks of a location I have known all my life, and am so close to visiting for the first time. Thank you, Lara, for introducing us.
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That’s such a gorgeous and clear recording, Phoebe! Thank you. It’s lovely to hear you give life to my words. I hope you make it to the Thames Barrier soon. Keep me posted.
Love this relationship with the Thames Barrier, and the voice you have given it. Brilliant first and last lines too.