David Croft Counter Number 8. Shoppers shuffle down the aisle one space at a time, sliding baskets along the ground with their feet. The stainless steel grates against the concrete floor like the piped music against our ears. Girls laden with fresh fruit and yoghurt, trying to hide their large tubs of Haagen Daz. Men with Pot Noodles and rashers, ready meals and six packs, check out girls' behinds.
Cashiers blink to the beep Of the till, their eyes ringing Up the seconds until closing time.
Homeless and Hungry I am Homeless and Hungry, read the sign around the little boy's neck. With a mongrel tucked under his arm And a tin whistle between his lips, His song mingling with the cacophony Of Christmas shoppers on Grafton Street. I watched him for a while, from a safe distance Behind a record shop facade. Until, I noticed him proffer a wink, Which sailed through the sea of legs To a little girl across the street. Sunflower Draguignan, October 1998.