Poetry of Place was an experiment in sharing, gifting poems to shopkeepers in exchange for their stories... Nationwide Millions of members strong Building society Nationwide Staffordshire Portman Nationwide Since ’67 in Dudley town Nearly sixty years serving a community

People love a building society don’t they Not quite a bank More like a club They come clutching blue passports A steady trickle Popping in to do their financials

There’s bunting over the office door Radio through the speakers Comfy chairs to rest awhile Friendly Homely Familiar Certificates recognise commitment From one to thirty years Ashleigh, Sarah, Isla Lisa, Samantha Displayed on shelves alongside photographs Pride of place

The buzzer brings a rush for the door Scurrying footsteps on laminate floor Jangle of keys on a lanyard Always a thank you and a kind welcome As chat starts up About Covid Hearing aids Lost keys Shopping up the town Holidays Pulled back muscles Schools going back Family The drive to Cornwall

The cash machine whirs in the background Dispensing spendies for the Full Moon next door As an old couple In matching purple fleeces Shuffle up to the counter together I look at the Community Board Wonder if my wife is up for knitting Bonnets and booties For Russells Hall Or if I know a charity that Might benefit from the community fund Or if I have some spare tins For the food bank

There’s a lot going on A lot to support I see stability Even though the future of the High Street Is hard to call Not sure where it’s going Without investment in the shops Which they watch come and go Having looked out the window for six decades Seen it all In all its glory

This place is about people Conversation Continuity Permanence In a world that’s shifting fast Leaving some behind Who come here To remember what helpful feels like Connection Belonging Inclusion

The couple are at the door now Saying their goodbyes See you next week Take care of yourselves Tarabit As they link arms and Waltz out into the sunshine