A Minute To Go (Poetry)

The lights were on, the doors swung open wide
as I walked in, unconscious of the time
but hadn’t gone a dozen steps inside
before I’d crossed some unforgiving line.

Advancing like a watchdog on patrol
a man in shirt sleeves barked his curt advice
his demeanour and expression, on the whole
unwelcoming, embarrassing — not nice.

Addressing me as “Madam” he made clear
I had one minute, going on to say
they closed at half past five, his tone severe
no doubt inferring I should go away.

A little stunned by this unkind attack
the purchase I had planned flew from my head
I found no words, but taken quite aback
retreated out the wide glass doors instead.

* * * *

I’ve pondered on it since — that attitude
so different from strict standards years ago
when staff were helpful, patient — never rude
for the customer was king. It seems as though

staff training doesn’t cover how to smile
or such pleasant manners that once were the norm
things generally have worsened, plus the style
of modern ‘service’ shows a haughty form.

No more the common courtesy or word
of greeting that encourages to stay
the “Can I help you?” is so seldom heard
and “please” and “thank you” rarer day by day.

So, to all those stores who wail when profits drop
think on — some staff so keen to get their tea
shoo off late customers who dare to shop
and those lost sales mount up, eventually.