The poem begins with a description of the street itself, which is "glaring and alive" and "crammed with people." Lowell uses sensory details to create a sense of the atmosphere, describing the "sharp clamor of iron hoofs," the "shrill discord of wheels," and the "heavy draymen’s tread." She also notes the "smell of horses," the "odor of leather," and the "pungent reek of humanity."
The poem then shifts focus to the people who inhabit this busy street. Lowell describes a wide range of characters, including "drunken wanderers," "prostitutes," "business men," and "women of the night." She also notes the presence of "policemen," who are "standing on the corner, keeping guard."
The poem ends with a reflection on the city itself, which is described as a "great throbbing monster" that is "alive and awake" even in the early hours of the morning. Lowell writes that the city is a place where "all things converge," and where "the world is awake and astir."
Overall, the poem "A London Thoroughfare Two AM" is a vivid and atmospheric portrayal of a busy London street at 2 am. The poem captures the sights, sounds, and smells of the city, and conveys a sense of the bustling activity that takes place even in the early hours of the morning.