No choice in the matter

Have you ever had the experience where you've no wish to do a particular thing until you know you can't and then suddenly you really, really want to?! If so you will understand this poem.

It's cold out and it's raining

Though the snow's begun to thaw

So the shops are full to bursting

Car parks full at every store

Not long now until Christmas

So there's sales on everywhere

And it's 3 for 2 as usual

I suppose that's more than fair.

And on any other day like this

I'd be glad I had no need

To rush round like the manic crowd

At a frantic, panicked speed

I'd be smug and self contented

For my shopping's mostly done

But because I know I can't go

It takes away the fun.

Have you noticed that's the way it goes

When you haven't got a choice

Though you wouldn't go out anyway

You somehow can't rejoice

Yes I know it's very silly

but I wish I had good health

So that I could mingle with the crowds

And grumble for myself.

I know the trains are crowded

With not a seat to spare

And cafes overflowing

Vacant tables but no chairs

Though the city would be brightly lit

The market stalls would be so busy

With people getting in the way

Enough to make you dizzy.

But I wish that I was well enough

To decide I wouldn't go

To declare it would be foolishness

to everyone I know

To say how stupid people are

To leave it all so late

to sit at home in comfort

And gloat at others fate!

Karen Holmes

4 December 2010