Smile, it’s only a road closure

Published: 15 April, 2011

• FOR those of us who thought the closure of Poland Street was enough to cope with, a new requirement may be the last straw (Road closure a ‘crisis’ for Soho, April 1).

On Monday, wincing my way up the thread of pavement to find a taxi, I was stopped by a cheerful workman who told me that every time he saw me I looked unhappy.  

There could be no denying this fault, so I explained that I was in truly terrible pain, and had spinal problems.  

Oh, I should have an operation, his mother had had an operation and it had changed her life. 

 Clinging to self-control, I said I’d had two spinal operations, my life had been changed, too, though not for the better, and I could have no more surgery. 

But I was sorry that I looked unhappy, and spoiled his day. To his credit, he accepted my apology.

So, everybody, no matter how the closure of that street inconveniences you, no matter how hard you find it to fight your way along the pavement, to avoid tripping over the signs and being run down by cyclists, no matter what state you’re in, remember to pin a grin on your face, to spare the workmen’s feelings.  

Their needs, like the developer’s, are greater than ours. 

ALIDA BAXTER
Dufours Place, W1