I bought you tulips in Cambridge market

and, for no good reason, thought to mark it

with a smile to all who passed me by

as I walked from Market Hill to home.

With welcoming eyes down Trinity Street

and smiles for all on Magdelene Bridge,

each one with its happy echo,

and so, at Kettles Yard, I added a tentative ‘hello’.

On reaching Shire Hall – though this is not how Cambridge men behave –

Abandonning self-restraint, I gave a wave.

By Victoria Road, I offered bear-hugs for folk who favour this,

and hand-shakes for those who like less ursine bliss.

At St Lukes Church I asked the Vicar for a kiss

(but for legal reasons let the record show,

although not yet Lent, Philippa still said ‘no’).

Approaching home, I welcomed all

to my contented place, my happy heart,

our joyful, sharing, oh so human powers.

Everyone smiles at an older man carrying flowers.