The decline of Woolworths was swift and sure

our local one went dark after Christmas

Santa took the goods away

with his airborne overview and sleigh.

 

The frontage remained like a broken tooth

patched with forthcoming paper events

the stainless steel doors locked and barred

its reputation feathered and tarred.

 

Then whispers went round of a new kid in town

an impossibly posh emporium

with Italian fittings and German kitchens

sumptuous towelling and silken robes

 

a curving staircase was fitted and lit

ascending to paradise in a dream of luxury

where not so very long ago

Woolies sold pullies and the ceilings were low

 

The sense of awe in the shiny store

was palpable and curious

but after a year the signs were back

and the lights went out, the store went black.

 

The next great incarnation came

in the retail guessing game

and as I write the tills of Poundland

ring loud and clear just as Santa planned.