Watching The Lying In State - "The Queue Has Its Own Meditative Magic"

I never planned to watch a live stream of the reclining queen in state, but sometimes you find yourself at a starting point.

For me it was learning that millions of people had already listened to the stream of Westminster Hall. Human beings have an insatiable desire to feel like they belong, and last time I checked, I call myself human.

Intrigued, I loaded the stream onto my iPad while looking for an interview with an American indie band.

Two hours later I was still watching.

It's not like anything surprising happened at that that time. There was certainly nothing to compare with the Royal Guard swooning to the ground early Thursday morning. But the long, silent line of people paying their respects has its own meditative magic.

Military personnel with medals from Iraq and Afghanistan salute the Queen. Others cross themselves by muttering a "thank you". A woman blew a kiss.

Bored children twist their parents' arms and tug itchyly on uncomfortable dresses. A baby in a pram hugs a Paddington bear.