Today’s poem

BANK ONLINE — JUST FINE

I need to make a payment. My banking is online. It only takes a click or two To their account from mine. I log in to my bank account And type my username. It’s simple to remember For it always stays the same. Then I have to click on Letters one, two and three. They’re taken from my

secret word. Just so they know it’s me. Then suddenly,

and magically, My details all appear. I click on ‘Make a Payment’. So far, it’s all quite clear. But wait, the bank’s not happy. Just what’s this payment for? Is it a new recipient Or one I’ve paid before? I click on ‘New Recipient’ Type details from my list.

With name, account and

sort code So nothing has been missed. Then there comes a warning To which I must take heed. Be sure that this is not

a scam. Do I wish to proceed? I press the word ‘Continue’ But then on screen I see, They cannot process

my request Until I prove I’m me. They’ll send a one-time

password. They’ll send it to my phone. My landline or my mobile. The choice is mine alone. I tick the box for ‘Mobile’ My phone is always near. I sit and wait and wait

and wait For my OTP to appear. But sadly, nothing happens No message or a text. The problem is, I wonder Just what do I do next . . . ? I click ‘Back’ on the computer That’s all that I can do And tick the box for landline And hope that it

comes through. Aaah good! The phone

is ringing. I listen, full of glee To hear my one-time

password So that will prove I’m me. I sit and wait and listen A buzz is all I hear. My OTP is missing that’s Becoming very clear. I need to make a payment. It’s easy so they say. It should take just five minutes Instead of half a day. I close down my computer. It doesn’t take a sec To find a pen and easily Sit down and write a cheque.

Greta Ward, Hayling Island, Hants.