Take signs for town centre

two parallel lanes off the ring road

up the ramp for car park -

bollards, newly resurfaced - drive slowly.

Window down, ticket spat out

at last a space, tight squeeze.

Mental note - green A3

joined the celestial starburst throng

sought out visual plan 

on store locator to find the shop

low blood sugar kicking in

Costa like an open wound.

Million kilowatt shops staring back

found mine - paid and left.

In spite of seeking advice on direction

of car park irredeemably lost

entering reverse thrust mode.

Debenhams recalled as in a dream

but wrong lift not going up but down

the car park up up 

came down mingled with the throng

a good half mile traipsed.

Out into fresh air briefly

light banter with youths smoking

back in again new directions

blinded by light

found A3, no sign of car

in the exit area pressed helpbox

"stay where you are" a voice spoke

"someone will come to you."

 

      Mohammed arrived with tall woolly hat

      seek and I will find.    Comforting thought.

      wrong car park, it was the A3 GREEN

      "wait there I will fetch golf buggy,

      you sit in we find car!"

      Across a link bridge disturbingly familiar

an area of massive ducting

sedately trundling - found the car.

"If you want, leave feedback" he said

his name in pencil on the card.

"Would it help your prospects?" I asked.

 

Sometimes you just have to put yourself out.