Drop-In Centre

There’s Scottie in his chair Tongue firmly in his cheek Trying to wind up Old Noel, The highlight of his week. Noel, over eighty, Veteran Of the Korean War Gives as good as he gets And dishes out much more. Gordon’s his visiting carer Sits there with a big grin Not himself a veteran but He’s managed to fit in. Big Dave is eating as usual Throwing in the odd word, The vision of him ever fitting In a tank now patently absurd. Crann’s the honorary caretaker Helping out while he waits For his entry Visa to join His fiancee over in the states. Emily the teenaged volunteer Who won’t take any lip Has those hardened veterans Under her slender finger tips. Tuesday morning at The Centre, Stacks of admin there to do, Bur I’ve had to close the office And get on with the brew. It’s not yet ten o’clock The Drop-in looks nearly full Already starting the craic The banter and the bull. So many other people coming In and out in a steady flow As one comes in another Just seems to get up go. Regimental rivalries Black Forces Humour Downright lies and Manufactured rumour. Hobbie’s by the door Taking the whole scene in, Vic’s chatting to Chris Who’s sat there with a grin. That’s the way it used to be But now it’s closed and gone In a Covid changed world Where things have moved on. So many years we lasted Existing from day to day And then for some reason We seemed to lose our way. The rise of the Pandemic Seemed to be the last straw And the founding spirit just Wasn’t’ there any more. The Drop-in that helped so many Was just too good to last Like so many valued things Just a memory of the past.