Security guards lock the store at closing time,
CCTV flickering-a deterrent to crime.
All is quiet until a disturbance in the aisles,
Peeping lids and frolicking smiles.
It was the herbs birthday party in full swing,
Chervil does kareoke others with Edward the King.
Birthday cake borrowed from aisle eight,
Walkers said they would be here hope there not late.
Bells strike eleven in the alcohol stand,
Tune struck up to the plastic toy band.
Presents arrive for the birthday host,
Champagne glasses clink for a celebratory toast.
A carrot whispering swede nothings in a tomato's ear,
While the Christmas pudding wipes away brandy sauce tear.
"Let the dancing commence" Reggie Veggie announces,
As the music bops, vibrates and bounces.
Cabbages and pineapples tango with profiteroles and nuts,
Cigarettes and cigars shaking their butts.
Mars, Aero and Bounty chatting up Snickers,
A Topic bar wants to get into a Galaxy's knickers.
As the booze gets flowing, inhibitions start going,
The party atmosphere really is showing.
Basil Herb whispers emotionally, "Thanks, Dad!
This is the best Birthday party I've ever had!"
"Just enjoy yourself, Son, you're now getting old,
Shame Mum wasn't hereabout today she was sold"
Suddenly, tempers erupt, Chili's voice loud and shrill,
An argument over dance partners by number four till.
While cling film, plastic cutlery, spreads and sauces play,
Pass the parcel, unwinding after a busy day.
Marge won the game a box of chocolate eggs,
Just then the music stops, dancers rest their weary legs.
Several vegetables visit the loo, desperate for a leek,
What a super party, they've been planning it all week.
Dennis the Danish pastry points out that it's getting light,
This party has now been raging all night.
Dusty the dustpan and Molly the mop,
Join Jerry and the J cloths to clean the shop.
Everyone has really behaved themselves,
As they big goodbye, thank you and return to their shelves.
As the staff open up the store, checking in new stock,
Last night's party animals are in for a shock.
Roughly handled, now labeled "Reduced to clear"
Bruised fruits dented cans of beer.
Damaged packaging on children's' toys,
Now half-price for lucky girls and boys.
But what puzzles the manager most is the Birthday cake,
With half of it missing, seen during stock take.