Trip to Rochdale

This poem is a tad long, but not as long as I was imprisoned. Thank goodness for face masks. No one could see that I was laughing all the way home

Trip to Rochdale

Due to eye ops and Covid, I’ve not left Toddy town
But ever optimistic,  don’t let it get me down
Eighteen months was long enough, after two jabs I’m ok
So boarding the 590 bus, I soon was on my way

To Rochdale I was heading, of that there was no doubt
Decided I was going  to, check new shopping centre out
First I’d stroll down Yorkshire street, to see how it was doin’
Alas the Wheatsheaf centre shut, was this to be my ruin?

Going there to visit loo,  I was rather shocked
At noticing the lights were on, but entrance doors were locked
Dashing to the other one, I got there just in time
Put twenty pence into the lock,  all was going fine

Alas on my departure I came upon a snag
Turnstile wouldn’t operate, I stood there clutching bag
Toilets were isolated, so leaned over stile to see
If anyone in corridor would come to assist me

Well the place it was deserted, the passage it was clear
Wondered just long I must, be imprisoned here
If it wasn’t used a lot, and cleaner seldom came
That may not be for ages, how long must I remain?

I couldn’t clamber over top, contraption far too wide
Think of the indignity, if I got stuck astride
I then espied a little gap, could I crawl though on my knees?
Prayed my hips did not get jammed,  and just slid through with ease

I did wriggle through that tiny space, though I don’t want to brag
There was plenty room to slither out, plus drag my shopping bag
I quickly dusted myself off, then scuttled down the aisle
Espied a lady rushing past, you know it’s not my style

Not to inform folk of problems, so in helpfulness I said
Do not use these facilities, choose another one instead
Explained my dilemma, that to exit had to crawl
She said……follow instructions……press the button on the wall!

By Glenys Halliday