The mysterious case of the Cunard suitcase? Nothing to declare: this vinyl valise must be equipped with a false bottom stuffed with packing paper ballast enabling it to float.
Perhaps it’s luggage belonging to the Lady of Shallot: item: one water damaged white samite negligee suitable for suicide. Or, remaining in our Pre-Raphaelite river, maybe it contains scraps of Ophelia’s personal effects, slowly sailing downstream to that Consignment Shop near the sluice gates.
Actually, I photographed this sorry object just below the Salt and Pepper Bridge on Sunday afternoon. It was idly surfing the tide like driftwood beside the stony shoreline, probably tossed into the current by some itinerant who no longer required the contents, and consequently the case itself had become obsolete in terms of his immediate life strategy.
And readers, if you think my watery pictures are grim you should check out Lucy's.
Well, one thing is perfectly clear. If anyone asks me to join the crew for an exhilirating row up this river you are photgraphing in such detail, I'll have to beg off. Dead fish floating about and now luggage being heaved at you while you're handling your oar. Too thrilling for me.
Posted by: DarkoV | October 24, 2005 at 12:31
It looks more like the old tortoise in a military hat I used to run into in my Cambridge riverside days.
Your points concerning The Lady of Shallott and Ophelia are well taken. Everything comes to the Charles. It is that River we all must someday cross. Let's hope the Mass. Ave. Bridge isn't closed for repairs again on that Great Day.
Of course, you live on the other side from my old, uh, haunts. Tell us: How ARE things on The Other Side?
Posted by: Bleak Mouse | October 24, 2005 at 13:17