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John Forth

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Fast Food

You’d have to be ninety to pre-date this
or recall the site of the older shop.
These red formica bench tables once
were solid marble or solid replica,
and the single nook for two at the back
was bagged by a bookie. It’s still here,
though the boxers, quiz-men, stars
and beauties lining the wall are new.

You were a toddler when we first looked in
to see if my cut-price past would cut
any ice in the eighties, though a sign told us
We do not sell mash & licquor without pies -
only for babies. You prodded bits
about and passed the rest over to me.
What was it you remembered later
that made you badger me to go back?

We’re both addicted now, regulars eating in
or taking out, wrapping up supplies
to keep a taste of home. As you queue
for extras, I watch from our table
tucked in the corner, saving your seat,
and, though she’s owed the keys to the city,
say Sorry it’s taken to the ninety-
year-old who tries to sit in your place.

 

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