There’s a real buzz in the station bar...

Sitting in the station bar, Waiting for the train, The 6.15 from Waterloo Had been delayed again. The day was hot and dusty, Dry as a treasury stat, Might as well have a swift one. Where’s the harm in that? There was no background music, There was no Sky TV, Inaudible announcements But the customers paid no heed. Each sat with their own thoughts In philosophic mood, Such happy isolation Convivial solitude. A drowsy wasp was buffeting Against the window glass (By that I mean colliding — Not having a light repast). At first it was an irritant, A buzzer with a sting, But as my mood grew mellower, I wondered at the thing. Was it on a mission? One of the scouts, perhaps? By that I mean reconnaissance drones, Not lads in woggles and caps. They fan out from a central point, Have a look around, Then Reconvene at HQ, Report back what they’ve found. But this one wouldn’t be making Any homeward trip Until it could negotiate The frame’s projecting lip. I offered it encouragement To help it get along, Explaining telepathically Where it was going wrong. ‘Pull back a bit then over — You’ll have a clear run. Come on, have another go, That’s it, go on my son!’ But the stupid thing continued Making the same mistakes In spite of all my urgings. I mean, for goodness sakes. Its plight became symbolic Of life and liberty. It bore all my frustrations As it fought captivity. Several pilsners later No progress had been made, The nine fifteen from Waterloo Regrettably delayed. Feeling disillusioned I surrendered with a shrug, Ruing my involvement With this tiresome bug. Of course, there’s no way of knowing If it really wanted out of the scene, It might just be a headbanger That likes the smell of Windolene. Returning from the ablutions The bar was insect free. The big moment had come and gone And I wasn’t even there to see. I assume it got its freedom, But I fail to understand Why the landlady called last orders With a fly-swatter in her hand. A cold wind blows down platform three, Still waiting for the train. The 12.15 from Waterloo Has been delayed again. G. Bell, Eastleigh, Hants.