Taking a pop at the pigeons

One of the less common species now encountered on the Tube is the goth, perhaps because, in these dreary COVID-19 times, being deeply miserable now is the norm, especially if you’re fond of football.

I rather miss them. Their deathly pallor, spiky hair, heavy eyeshadow and torn fishnet stockings gave hope that not every millennial had chosen a career in law or accounting. Though I suspect that gothic plumage is now totally acceptable in the professions — but not, of course, in IT, where cargo shorts, flip-flops and Fat Face shirts remain de rigueur.

I spotted one a week ago on the District line, staring into space and nodding quietly to a