Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A FAIR DEAL!


Reading the Instruction Sheet from my son
I walked down to Ruislip Station,
Wearing a Sweater and a Rain Coat
As the weather was chilly and rainy.

Climbing up the stairs, I got into a Tube,
Opened up the instruction sheet
Read it over and over again
To make the contents by-heart, in vain.

Everything was fine from start to end
With the rail operators
Keeping time, always on the dot.
And at last I reached my destination.

It was London Bridge, an expansive station
With a lot of platforms
For tube and overground travel
Easy to get lost and confused.

I carefully moved up the stairs
Arrived at the lobby where I should wait
For my son to arrive
As I reached before time.

Half an hour to go!
So said my faithful watch.
Panning through the waiting area
I got into a cozy and warm joint.

I ordered a shot of Isle of Jura
And slowly sipped it in.
A new wave of energy enveloped me.
But hunger struck me as ever!

The poster in front announced
'Jacket Potato', pack of chips and a Coke
At seven point nine five
A fair deal for a square meal, I thought.

Feeling my stomach I scanned through its contents;
Potato filled with grated cheese, onions,
Lettuce, olives, green chillies, baked beans etc.
A Scottish delicacy good for a fill.

Wasting no time, I ordered it.
It was unwrapped and the enticing aroma
Fast reached my nostrils and
The taste buds began to act rapidly.

I then thought of my grandson
Putting a tiny paper boat afloat
on the strong current so generated
And watch it disappear in the horizon!

Using a fork and knife clumsily I began
Mixing the ingredients with hot potato,
Cheese, onion, leaves... and something fishy
Small shrimps fully dressed, perhaps!

Disappointed a veggi as I was
Munching the chips, I carelessly looked at the Coke
Did it say 'sugar free'?
I quickly grabbed and gulped it in one lot.
A fair Deal indeed!