Shop Window

The local fishmonger likes wordplay.
Every day he puts chalk to slate
to entice prospective customers
with a smile, laugh or snigger.

Passing by on my way to Costa’s,
I stop briefly to read his latest effort,
smirk (occasionally) and move on.
I can’t recall what he writes.

I’ve never bought fish from him
even though he’s branched out
to sushi and other exotica.
Don’t get me wrong;
I like fish, but not enough
to cook anything from fresh

and I can’t recall his jokes.
No, that’s not entirely true.
Today, the chalk marks read:
Praktice Makes Perfekt
and I didn’t smile.
I suppose he’s still practising,
like me with frozen fillets.