Open All Hours

These stores that open twenty-four hours
who exactly is it that goes there to scour
the shelves for bargains at the dead of night?
Is it folk who generally lack the foresight
to make up a list, when the sun's in the sky
or insomniacs trying to pass some time by?
There are seven days or late nights to browse
(perhaps these owls just can't stand their spouse?)

The aisles must be like the Marie Celeste -
so do crabs feel they ought to be dressed
or bread to ever appear upper-crust
whilst passion fruit is required to lust?
Is fish then sold as C.O.D.
or do 'q's give up minding the frozen peas?
Meat must be stoic and never beef
if cold cuts ham it up beyond belief.

As midnight strikes and we're all asleep
do trolleys race, landing up in a heap?
THAT's why, next day, when we flock through the doors
we can't find one devoid of flaws.
Their wheels don't turn or run smoothly along-
they've a will of their own and we have to be strong
to get one to move from where it stands
and fill it with food from foreign lands.

This commerce in the twilight zone
is tempting me, with it's joys unknown...
I'll join the zombies and the undead-
more fun than staying home in bed!!