‘When’

Do you remember when

the phone plugged into the wall

had its own table in the hall?

When the dial had letters

as well as numbers?

Were you one of those who liked mystery

and went ex-directory?

Do you remember when
a date meant was a date kept?

A liaison arranged rarely changed.

No texting for telling.

I’ll meet you under the clock.

Let’s make it for eleven.

No need to remember.

We’re all on speed dial.

Reality is digital.

Life is virtual.

And memories are stored on a cloud.

• Joy Johnson works in Unite’s political department