She had a man before you see
To carry her bags befittingly
In days when men would open doors
Not pat and stroke with mucky paws
But treat a lady with respect
Discouraging her intellect
In favour of her reticence
In matters of all consequence
So she could dwell on the sublime
And dream of him in summertime
And conjure up delightful meals
In pearls and pretty pointed heels
And, keeping conversation light
They’d chatter over candlelight
About the price of fish, the weather
And how they loved their time together
So now, alone, she pushed her trolley
With no firm hand to hold her brolly
But standing in the prescription queue
She caught their glances, one or two
And lowering a modest eye
She smiled encouragement on the sly