Deference

1973
London
Deference
Is alive here.
An elderly lady
In a supermarket
Holds up a can of
Peas to me with 8 P
Marked out and 10 pence
Stamped, she asks me why is
It more? I am wearing a suit having
Attended a meeting and she thinks
I will know why so I speak which
Lets her know I’m American so
No deference needed and tell
Her greed of the rich which
Allows her nod yes and go
On shopping while I muse
On how deference is
Alive here among
The elderly who
Are still living
In pre-WW2
England
Expecting the
Upper classes to
Guide and protect
Those less educated
All based on appearance
Confirmed or negated
As soon as one
Speaks.
She actually
Asked me, “Please
Sir ... why is it more?”