Shopping was a weekly ritual for my mum, not like shopping as we know it now, at least here in the UK.
I help out a friend at our local DIY (Hardware) shop, so many customers comment on how nice it is to come into a “Proper” shop, have a chat, share a joke or two and generally have a nice experience. It’s not that we don’t want to shop that way any more, it’s just one more thing that’s been taken away from us, for the sake of greed.
So, a while ago, I was inspired to write the following.

The Shop

Do you remember in days now long gone, going shopping with grandma, and of course your mom?

First to the bakers for your loaf of bread, then popping next door to see butcher Ted.

There was a sweet shop, and toy shop , all for the kids, and then there was hardware, that was called Sids.

Sid had all sorts of things for you to amaze, paints brushes and tools, Oh happy days!

Best thing of all though was your mom and gran, could share all the gossip with whichever shopman.

You all went in for goods and came out with a laugh, now though, we have supermarkets and come out feeling naff.

Yes, it’s nearly all gone now, another part of your life, no independent shops for you, your kids and your wife.

There is one place though if you want to keep sane, there’s a little DIY store just up Abbey Lane.

Nic that owns it, he’s such a good chap, always so busy no time for a nap.

If he doesn’t have it he’ll get it for you, from a nice shiny bike to a lace for your shoe.

If though on Saturday you wish to visit, you’ll get his mate Bard though, and that’s not good is it?

He can never find anything in Nic’s shop so cluttered, but at least you had a laugh at the jokes that he uttered.

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Some names and places have been changed to protect the guilty.

All words by Meadowhead Bard.