“What is it with these modernists? First it was the bloody London Eye. Now it’s the Shard. Looks like a mistake, you ask me. Hideous. Turn one of the grandest cities in the world into a bleeding circus. You’d think they all went mad, putting up shite like this. My London is the city that faced the Blitz, not some damned sideshow attraction. It was bad enough in the sixties, all the long-hairs loafing about in St. James Park. At least you could chase them off. These goddamned buildings, though. They’re not going anywhere.”
“Don’t listen to your Grandad, darling. He’s always been an old grouch. Never liked change. Had fits when I’d change the parlor curtains. You want to take the children to see the Shard, I’m game. Perhaps we can make a day of it. See the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Did you know they used to keep live lions there? They called it the Royal Menagerie. Where would you like to go? Aside from the Eye, of course.”
Great voice. Every family has a curmudgeon like that.
I remember loafing around in St. James Park. I think it’s a rather nice building don’t you?
Seconding the “great voice” comment — you’ve really captured that crotchety old man vibe.
Poor old grumpy Gramps! I love the change in tone from one paragraph to the next.
I could hear granddad going off on one and waving his stick around complaining. Great story.
My only visit to London was in 1985 before the Eye or the Shard. I can’t say I’m particularly fond of either, although I confess I would love to see the view of the city from both. I feel for Grandad…lol.
Poor old grandad. You can really hear an old man complaining about all of the changes in London town.
Could be less again, if this aspiring toward Carver? A part from the quick shot from the hip, not having the usual rigor, the blood in the underwear remark is seriously funny and worthy to be a new cliche.