The End of an Era

A sunny day – but tinged with grey
M&S closed its doors today*
Empty shelves, disgruntled staff
Last faltering steps on Brussels' path...

Not once but twice it flew the flag,
For Brits abroad good times were had
Twice we thought that it would stay
And twice they pulled the rug away!

Could «bête noire» BREXIT be the cause?
A Business Plan with fatal flaws?
But hundreds streamed through «golden» gates
Its premium food sold like hot cakes.

Outside in Toison d'Or a truck:
Paint tins and ladders loaded up ...
Workmen eye this prime location
New tenants need no invitation!

(c) Poet in the woods 2017

*Farewell to Marks & Spencers on 29th September, 2017
See also http://poetinthewoods.blogspot.be/2015/05/stampede.html when it opened in 2015!