NUMBER 72

 

Once there were three offices here

One north, one south

And the regional one above

First time I visited

‘Chelsea Girl’ was below

A security guard stood on duty

Just inside our entrance

They say he sold fruit and veg

When the bosses weren’t looking

 

Later other shops

Occupied ground and first

If you didn’t take the lift

You could hear their music

Vibrating through the walls

Someone told me that once

There was a basement garage

Accessed from the back lane

It closed down but the car lift

Is still supposed to be there

 

And there was a ghost but then

This city is full of them

I never had the pleasure

 

Once there were people here

Bright and full of tricks

Proud people never let you down

The ones Hitler couldn’t break

Always a bit of drama

But got the job done

I was happy here

Bit my lip when I left

 

Now nothing remains

Number 72 is a victim to progress

And financial efficiency

Everyone has relocated

And the spirit has left

This unpretentious building

I bet even the ghost has gone

 

Must have had a good package!