Tesco Armistice
The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month comes once again.
A five minute tannoy warning has advised those who have entered on the front line, many bearing the poppy.
Subdued, search, select, place items in baskets and human propelled devices.
The hour arrives signalled by a high pitched continuous note, all stop as in a trance, scanners returned to holsters, aisle upon aisle, quiet respectful, civil inattention, young and old, silence descends.
Disparate thoughts -Thiepval Memorial, Great Uncle Jack at Pozieres on The Somme, 22 million in the 1st 'war to end all wars', then a mere 29years later 80 million in the 2nd, now Ukraine, others, wars rumours of wars, nephew in the military. peacemakers, freedoms we enjoy,
Suddenly an ironic voice breaks the silence not far away -Do you wish to continue, do you wish to continue, joined by others more urgent at the self service checkouts, do you wish to continue, do you wish to continue!....
Finally Reveille was piped through and we were on our way.
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