Journey to Baker St

I told her to try and be patient

She should stay on the train for a time,

And then only change from one to another

If she wanted the Bakerloo Line.

She was keen to descend on the Northern,

Then stroll on from Euston. We talked

Of her need to be careful and choose the right train

At Camden where Northern lines fork;

Of her option to get off at Kings Cross St. Pancras

Where she then would have no need to walk.

It turns out she got off at Tottenham Court Rd. -

She was reading the night before’s news

In the Standard or Metro – she couldn’t be sure

Though she said it was not an excuse.

It then took her ages to change to the Central -

Up and down stairs then along

Those urine washed tunnels where she had to select

Her direction – Once again she went wrong.

She followed the notes of a down and out busker

That she tipped so he’d play her a song.

She took the next train on to Liverpool St. Station,  

She alighted to sit on a bench.

She sat down, stretched out her tired feet and ignored

All the litter, cloth bundles, the stench.

It was then that she saw the schematic,

And perceived at once all would be fine.

She regained her lost sense of direction

And followed the little red sign.

She got off the Central when she reached Oxford Circus

She transferred to the Bakerloo Line.

Mark Langlais 2020