MIND THE GAP

Today as I boarded a tube train I was warned to "mind the gap". Twice. And then, more specifically, to "mind the gap between the platform and the train". So I took a proper look at the gap for perhaps the first time in my life. And found it to be around 2.5 inches wide. Which left me wondering what danger such a gap could represent. Later at the airport I traversed a gap at least half an inch wider between the top of some stairs and an aeroplane. And no one said a word.

Is it because, when it comes to flying, falling fifteen feet through a 3 inch gap onto concrete is the least of your worries? Or does EasyJet just not care? Or can London Underground just not help itself trotting out the same old gap thing because it’s what it’s always done, and if it didn’t the tourists would complain? Even though no one really knows what they’re minding, and what it means to mind it.

But given the number of times it gets a mention, we can only assume the gap is insanely dangerous. So it seems strange not to be given more detail. 


For example:

"Do not approach the fearsome mutated ninja super rats that may emerge from the gap at any time and eat your children.”

OR

"People less than six inches tall should not attempt to jump the gap. Please contact a member of our staff who will be happy to provide you with a purpose built non-slip gap plank."

OR

"If you drop your iPhone through the gap don’t be a nob and try and get it out. Wait until the train’s gone and take your chances with the electrified rail. And the ravenous mutated ninja super rats."

In fact, when you think about it, the whole set-up is far more dangerous when there’s no train there at all. Because then the fabled gap extends from a paltry 2.5 inches to a copious fifteen feet or so. Enough to accommodate any number of hapless commuters. But you never get warned to mind the unprotected drop to the unguarded high voltage power rail below. And the ravenous mutated ninja super rats that will gnaw every last shred of flesh from your sad-arsed corpse.

So what is it with this gap? And why does no other railway system deem it necessary to tell you about it? Does London Underground have a monopoly on gaps? So other operators have to say entirely gap-free things like “Please take care when stepping from the train onto the platform”. 

Or are we misunderstanding what’s being said to us? Is it an entirely different kind of gap we’re being told to mind? Is it the gaping void of mutual hostility and suspicion that divides us as we hurtle through the darkness, exchanging not a glance or a word? Or the ever-widening chasm between our aspirations and the sad reality of the world we’re in the process of screwing up? 

Or how about the seemingly unassailable gap between what we want and what’s good for us. Between the views of the uninformed majority and those we elect to know better. Now there’s a gap worth minding.


@jesoverthinksit