Unprecedented Times Spent Waiting at Asda by Pat Cammish
Arts Richmond
Online - 09 July 2020
Unprecedented Times Spent Waiting at Asda
I stand in line upon that spot so bold,
That marks my place upon the ground in gold,
Protecting me by distance from the next
Who waits, a human length away, in text
Absorbed.
With mask and gloves and hand-gel all to hand,
And trolley poised, in limbo both, we stand,
Awaiting access to the distant store,
Regretting all the normal times before,
Unvalued.
When we thought nought of meeting friends in pubs
Or jostling crowds in busy shops and clubs.
Unthinking then, we passed our time with glee
At games, at plays, at concerts or the sea.
Not now.
The Texter's trolley shifts on one spot more,
I sigh, and gaze towards the distant door.
It's hot out here in unrelenting sun,
And there is so much else that could be done
At home...
Like roses to prune and books to sort.../ or bake;
A crusted loaf, some currant buns, a cake;
Some scones, jam tarts, or chocolate eclairs
But what's the point - when nobody comes and shares
My life?
The queue creeps on with dreary halting gait
Towards the entrance doors, for which we wait,
To find, we hope, inside the hallowed shrine,
Essential items - beer and gin and wine,
In plenty.
To see us through Uprecedented Times
Like these, such days of lockdown or of fines
For doing what is natural to us all -
The social round, the hug, the kiss, the call
On neighbours.
I'm nearly there, I'm in the shade at last
I'm through the doors beneath the icy blast
Of air inside the shop. I breathe a sigh.
“Now what else do I need to buy? Oh my!
I can't remember.”
By Pat Cammish
Poem for the day Unprecedented Times Spent Waiting
Arts Richmond Virtual Art Exhibition
The Roger McGough Annual Poetry Prize 2020
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