A DAY IN LONDON

by Eveline Paulson

 

"Come to London," our daughter cried,

"We'll go to Fortnum's, I'll meet you outside."

Hot foot to the station we did go,

Bought our tickets and joined the flow

Of other day trippers onto the train,

Into our seats, but John made it plain

He wasn't sitting to the engine's back,

Then off went the train with a clickety-clack.

Arriving at Euston we boarded the Tube,

And at Picadilly with the crowds were spewed

Onto the escalators, running and skipping,

Hurrying, jostling, chatting, and quipping.

Most looking happy, with a slightly anxious stare,

Oh, what a relief to breathe the fresh air.

There stood Eros, perched on high,

We stood still in the crowd, gave a sigh,

And felt that thrill which is on a par

With reaching for, and grasping, the highest star.

Lunch at Fortnum's was very swish,

Our French waiter served an excellent dish!

Followed by Royal Breakfast Tea,

All quickly devoured by John, Annette, and me.

Then across the road, Oh, how busy!

The noise of the traffic makes one dizzy!

Gazing in awe at the R.A.'s paintings,

Our day in the capital had taken wings.

We made our farewell in the pouring rain,

And headed back to Euston and the train.

Oh what chaos awaited us there,

"All trains delayed," Let's find a chair.

High winds had brought the power lines down.

We were lucky, and got a train to our home town.

Sat among some lively fellas,

Told us they were auto sellers.

Three Lancashire girls joined our set,

"Where's the ticket off this seat, pet?"

"The guard took them off, 'cos the train's delayed."

"Well, what about that, we needn't have paid!

Is this the seven-twenty to Liverpool?"

"It's the six o five, they're working to rule."

"Eh, Rita, this isn't our train, what shall we do?"

Chorused the fellas, "Don't worry, we'll look after you!"

Three hours later viewed the clock at Lime Street.

Hurried home, and turned up the heat.

Feet up, and basking with a cup of tea,

Yes, it was a good day for John, Annette and me.