Thursday, October 20, 2011

Last Minute Cruises





He had a forgettable face, the man at the holiday desk,

handing out brochures: save up to 75 percent on

last minute cruising bargains

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Glossy posters offered: mystery destinations, ports incognito,

we’ll carry you in luxury the jingle sang

and in the fine print                small cabins, no portholes, cryogenics optional

No passports required – We look after all the visas!

All dietary restrictions catered for –.

extra heating available for passengers who prefer a

bodiless trip



I shook my head in no-thanks, turning to hand the brochure back:

All dissolved, faceless man, music and marketing stand:

colour posters replaced with dripping grey

grit underfoot, a patchy gangway, wind and flapping

white blanks peering from the deck

the ship in silent motion, hovering above a greasy sea.



No band, no tickertape, no farewells

Not quite the short break I'd planned.

 x

7 comments:

Dave King said...

It might have been, of course - but that's life, you'll never know. (Unless the ship sinks, THEN you'll know!)

jabblog said...

'cryogenics optional' - priceless!

Maggie said...

Ooh, this is fantastic. Great write.

Laurie Kolp said...

Always read the fine print, eh?

Mary said...

Clever! If something sounds too good to be true, it probably IS!

rch said...

Ah tossed about on the stormy sea of life yet again ; )

Jingle Poetry At Olive Garden said...

it is great to shake your head at times,

powerful and confident story.