POEM OF THE DAY

A One-Off

Just opposite the Buddle School, there stands a corner shop. When growing up there as a rule, I would regularly stop.

Ever since I can remember until the Eighties took their bow. This shop was ran by Tom, who is no longer with us now. He looked just like James Coburn, and would sport a year-round tan. We all thought the world of Tommy, he was such a people’s man.

At this heart of our community, we locals spent our cash.

And no one else before or since, served us with such panache!

I’m still minded of his swagger, of his patience and his smile,

Yes Tommy was a one-off, with a certain kind of style. He would never rush us children when we couldn’t make up our minds. For Tom served his community, it would never be a bind!

He sold Black Jacks and Fruit Salad, Sherbet Dib Dabs, Teddy Bears. Bazooka Joe’s and zingy Fizz Bombs and a host of other wares.

Tom loved supping with his muckers, at the Comrades down the hill, We’d chat to him on Station Road, when he had drank his fill.

He would stand with hands in pockets, and just grin from ear to ear. When he heard of our adventures, a real people’s man no fear!

All of these things and so much more, will stay with me for years.

So thanks Tom for all the memories, and of course those “teddy bears”. RIP Tommy