Battered old boots

I bought these boots in London on the day of the London bombings On July, 7 2005.
I got these just before the shop was closed and London was emptied. The only problem was that we had nowhere to go as all public transport was cancelled and we were stuck in a deserted London.
The contrast of that day compared to the day before was incredible.
The day before we were at Trafalgar Square waiting for the announcement of who was going to hold the 2012 Olympic games. Of course, as we all know now, the games went to London and celebrations ensued. Confetti by the ton load was dumped upon us, singing on the stage, the red arrows flying across London. Dancing and singing.
Fast forward about 20 hours and you could not paint a more different picture. Sirens were the only noise you could hear. London was emptied. Tourists, locals, workers got out of London as soon as they could. After the sirens there was silence. Eerie, eerie silence.
Just writing this wee ditty makes me feel a bit spooked.