We stand in a line, then zig zag our way slowly towards the doors.
The sun is shining and shadows seem to grow longer with waiting
But patience grows too and voices mingle with easy contentment
Happy that, thank goodness, it’s not raining.
The sky is a cloudless blue, where crows and jackdaws,
Chiffchaffs and sparrows cavort and chatter.
And way up on high above us all
A skylark sings joyously.
The queue moves oh so slowly towards the doors
A young couple test out dance steps
An old man leans against a bollard
A woman reassures a vulnerable person that all will be well.
Conversations between strangers start to unfold
Smiles are exchanged and every tilt of the head conveys kindness.
We stand in a line, then zig zag our way slowly towards the doors.
Two by two as in Noah’s Ark we enter the emporium
Greeted by masked staff who explain their roles as assistants
Everyone is careful to keep the required distance
There is no push and shove, no selfish overloading
We just stand in a line and wait our turn.
The sun is shining
And way up high the skylark is still singing.
Trudie Shannon
