The Old Barber's Shop
By Michael Champion
Stepping into the old barber’s shop
Was a bit like stepping back in time:
Above the four foot high mirror
Was hanging a sign
Listing the various prices; a discount for OAPs
One man was having his hair cut;
Two more were sat on seats.
Old fashioned music was playing from a CD
-Or perhaps a record
And as I took my own seat I noticed that the décor
Was a little shabby and had perhaps seen better days,
The barber had his various tools in a wooden tray-
He had no till for money; just a wooden drawer
And here and there there were hair clippings strewn around the floor.
The barber was in his sixties I’d guess
With white and slightly balding hair
And once inside his barbers shop you could be anywhere.
Upon the wall hung old photos
And a clock which had a chime
And underneath was a print:
A scene of maritime.
Scattered round were newspapers
Magazines and books
There was an old hat stand and on the door were hooks.
The barber exchanged pleasantries whilst he was standing cutting
Whilst from a cup and saucer, strong coffee he was supping.
When it came to be my turn, the old barber cut my hair
Like an old professional with efficiency and care
He charged me just six pounds; I bought from him some white hair gel
And then went on my way, wishing the old man well.