“Are you being served, no I don’t think that I am. I’ve been waiting for an hour. Please help me if you can.”
We’ve all felt like this at times. Frustrated with waiting times and poor service. But it doesn’t stop here. From self-service checkouts to queues, deliveries, travel, roadworks and potholes, many things exasperate us on a daily basis and we all need some kind of outlet to save our sanity if nothing else. What should be simple and pain free rarely is and issues which should be dealt with by companies quickly and easily rarely are.
However worry not! I have just what you need in the form of my anthology of poems inspired by the fascinating but incredibly frustrating world of customer service entitled ‘Are You Being Served?‘ There’s even a fabulous foreword by Lorraine Kelly CBE.
Why poems?
English was my favourite and best subject at school. I’ve always loved writing and started to write poems in particular just over 10 years ago. Over the years they have become my hobsession (hobby and obsession) and I’ve written poems on everything from weddings, funerals, birthdays, retirements to life and pets. It only occurred to me recently that this creativeness could also extend to a whole host of new material from the world of customer service in which I work. Hours of fun!
Which poem is my favourite?
I hope you like all the poems but my own personal favourite has to be ‘Chicken or beef?’ as the inspiration behind it lies in my days as an air hostess for the World’s Favourite airline. I must also credit Confessions of a Trolley Dolly for some of the best things ever said to cabin crew in this blog post. Plus more of my memories of life as an air hostess are covered in this Newsweek article.
It might make you laugh but in all sincerity, my poem is exactly what life is like in the skies with some of the questions that passengers ask. Here’s a little extract!
“Chicken or beef
Coffee or tea?
Is that just for one
Or are you eating for three?”
In contrast, privilegedpup’s favourite poem is ‘Pawservice’ which is a lovely simplistic look at customer service through a dog’s eyes.
“When it comes to Customer Service
Dogs just do it better
They will always wag their tail
No matter what the weather.”
Lorraine and me
One question I’m asked quite frequently is how I know Lorraine Kelly and why she wrote a foreword for the book. In answer to the second half of the question, I have no idea. I just sent her a copy of the manuscript and asked if she would consider writing the foreword. Couldn’t believe it when she said yes! As for the first question, it was just a chance meeting as a flight. One minute I was sat on my own and the next minute I found myself next to Lorraine. Thanks to my good friend Kelly who was working on the flight as cabin crew, I was able to stay in touch with Lorraine and the rest is history. I’m pleased to report that she is just as lovely in real life as she is on TV, really genuine and a real pleasure to chat to.
“This is a delightful, insightful collection of poems from a very talented woman” Lorraine Kelly CBE.
How can I pick up a copy?
To WIN a signed copy just click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link and enter via any of the options. Each one is a separate entry! T’s and C’s apply, entries close 2nd November. Good luck! GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED: Congratulations to Margaret G from Blackburn!
If you can’t wait until the end of the giveaway, you can grab a copy* now on Amazon. You can also check out a whole range of competitions over on the Super Lucky Di website.
Happy reading and comping!
Please note that this page contains an *affiliate link.
A wonderful collection of poems from a very talented lady. Your poems are truly fantastic, and I feel so very lucky to have had a very special poem written just for me at a very difficult time in my life. You will never know how much those words gave me and my family such comfort at a very difficult time.
Thanks Sarah for such a lovely comment and all your support. So pleased that you liked the poem I wrote for you and that it provided some kind of comfort.
How amazing to have spent time chatting with Lorraine! Well done Janey xx
Thanks Jamie, I think Lorraine would make one of the best dinner guests ever. So easy to chat to and genuinely a really lovely person.
Looks like a great read
Thanks Annabel, it is indeed!
Sounds like a great read.
Thanks for commenting, yes I’ve been reliably informed that it is indeed a great read. Good luck in the giveaway!
Id love For inspiration – surprising how words can change the mindset
Yes, agreed. Hope it does provide a bit of inspiration- and a few laughs too. Good luck in the giveaway!
I think this sounds like a lovely book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
You’re very welcome Carole. Thanks for commenting and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Looks interesting! Would love to have a read.
Thanks Pam! Hope you like it. Good luck in the giveaway!
It sounds like a really fantastic read xx
Thanks Natalie. Good luck in the giveaway! Thanks for entering.
This sounds a fascinating book and as someone who appreciates a wide variety of books, including poems, one which I would be very interested to read.
Hi Natasha, thanks for the comment and the entry. Hope you win and that you do like the book!
It looks a lovely book
Thanks Sheri, hope you win a copy, thanks for entering.
As someone who has spent years working in retail, I would love to read this book!
Thanks Jenny, am sure you could give me quite a few ideas for a follow up about life behind the counter. Good luck in the giveaway!
Sounds like my kind of book :- About reality. Seems humorous.
Hi Rachel, yes I hope the poems do make people smile. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
My daughter would love this wonderful prize
Thank you, that’s lovely to hear Paula. Good luck in the giveaway!
I would love to win this for my mum as she really enjoys reading so i think this would be great for her.
Thanks Adeinne, that’s really thoughtful of you. Good luck in the giveaway.
I love reading poetry and this book sounds as if it’s a lot of fun.
Thanks Fiona, it was a lot of fun to write if nothing else. Thanks for entering!
I love a rhyme, so I’ll stand in line.
If I should win, it would make me grin.
My absolute favourite comment yet! Thanks Sue!
Because I never read it before and need a new book to read.
Thanks Troy, good luck in the giveaway!
I love poetry and this looks fun
Thanks Jennifer, good luck in the giveaway!
This looks like a great book, something different
Thanks Danielle, good luck in the giveaway!
Your book would make the ideal gift for my mum as she loves poetry!
Many thanks Siobhan, that’s lovely to hear. Good luck in the giveaway, thank you for entering.
That’s a lovely prize and I’m sure a good read!
Many thanks Maya, good luck in the giveaway!