Chepstow road is the catwalk where divas flow
Measuring their power by the lenses and the gawkers
Playing show-stoppers and twerk fire-starters
A smile, a wink and some shake to cheer the crowds
The government and the mayor blinded by their fears
Held hostage to their polling ambitions
Will break any possible tradition
We cannot let down those who died for our freedoms
And just walk away
We owe them this dance, should it be the last
Photo Hugh Ardoin The Notting Hill 2018 Carnival Gallery