Summer in London 2022

2mins: the max you can wait on the platform before the wait turns into waiting.

Unless it’s a Sunday in summer. Strikes mean everyone’s clamouring for the next train. Forgo the interchange -  for let’s walk to another station, as Sundays in summer set a different pace, solidarity with strikers struggling to live in this city.

On the overground now, green tree tops soften brickwork but climate change has scorched the green off parks and made autumn of July. In Keat’s garden an ancient mulberry tree already ripened with fruit.

The hum of longer days brings us out of flats, shaded pavement with extra tables and chit chat.

I’m Muslim too, have you heard of Kosovo? Asks the 26 year old waiter. He’s been here 4 weeks with his wife and dreams of becoming a photographer.

Welcome - you belong here. Don’t let anyone tell you anything different.

Still time to browse books and run bare feet in playgrounds of smiley internationals with tanned children.

Tell capitalism it can wait.

N Abida Ali