I feel sorry for apricot man.

He sits and smiles.

He thinks everyone likes him.

But they don’t.

The opening of a shopping centre,

they’re turning on the Christmas lights

and he is there.

Apricot man

in the apricot limelight.

With his apricot hair.

Maybe a skating rink

set up for the festive season.

And there he is, incongruous

in anorak and skates -

falling over.

Poor old apricot man!

Where did you come from?

Your tie and shirt so smart.

It breaks my heart.