Up line (Morning Pam)

The ticket office is closed and the machine

Is out of order. No one is on hand

To ask, although the unseen voice, obscene

In cheery tones, warns - no, it commands -

We have a valid ticket or risk a fine.

Two minutes before the Cannon Street is due

The usual suspects muster into line

Careful to avoid commuters who

Insist on constant verbal diarrhoea.

I take the second carriage which I know

From long experience is the silent car

For readers, laptops and the sleeping foe.

          On time as usual, I take my usual seat,

          And before we get to Battle, am asleep.

Brian Hick September 2008

©copyright Sally Hick 12.9.22