Seeds, sheets, plugs, paint; something of everything

if not much range. Pots, pencils, saucers, plates;

pocket-money treasures, find a present

for your gran. Towels, wrapping paper, pins.

Sometimes you came away with a bargain.

If only they didn’t keep moving the plants,

picture frames, toys, socks and sockets, sweets.

Times changed; you only called in now and then

How did they do it? They don’t any longer,

the stores you thought would last forever,

so cheap and cheerful, if lacking style.

Now where can you buy a tube of glue?

Kettles, scissors; sorry, can’t help you

A boarded-up gap in the high street’s smile