’twas in the 1960's an April Saturday with Allan my chum
ever looking for new things to do, especially with fun.

Of course looking for a friendly lady and possibly romance
this time above Cheesemans Lewisham at their fantastic weekly dance.

My Victor Sylvester classes upstairs at the nearby stylish Gaumont
might impress with a slow waltz, jive or lively stomp.

Looking around - Plenty of lovely fair talent... the gals I mean
short skirts and tight blouses …...wow....their great age of teen!

As normal it's a hesitating start – but wait, what's this... a glance?
So quick response was needed with “ May I have this dance?”

With a quiet reply of “Thankyou” her winkle pickers quickly came aglide.
Then small talk of one's job- she starts explaining hers with pride.

“& Your dancing you've been trained” I whispered, a little bit to tease
“Oh it's nothing! I just learnt from those new records – you know... LP's”

Before that I asked “What's your name & do you work in London too?”
followed up with “& What is it... that you do?”

“I'm Heather & a rather unusual job” she said as the Social Rhythm fades
says I “Hello Heather, I'm Keith , is your job one of those special trades?”

It was a noisy evening and she was very quietly spoken
but continued, and I listened quite intently I thought a friendly token.

“Yes” she said “A job quite different, on hearing it most say...pardon!...
for you won’t believe it but ....
...I'm an Almond Sorter... at Covent Garden!”

How strange I thought, but at that, couples depart for next trial relation
me still surprised at such a strange occupation.

“Allen! I say that girl I danced with her job I could not believe
“What's that?” ….... “Well it's so different and difficult to perceive”.

But then next dance announced, Allen takes off, snappily alert
and few minutes later he's back with very broad smile & a knowing smirk.

“You’re a damned April Fool that girl you spoke to, yes she's a smarten
but you got the job wrong she's not … an...
... Almond Sorter at Covent Garden...
but worth much,...much... more …...she's a.......
….......Diamond Sorter at Hatton Garden!”

’twas my true story but a shame as this young lady I did not again see
as she probably much better off than,..that April's foolish me.

Her away with those probably large..sparkling..superbly brilliant....offcuts
a wealthy bonus of fantastic and precious assorted nuts

....... of course I don't mean...... Almonds!
I mean marvellous, absolutely superb, shiny.....Diamonds!

What a Bond! And..of course...as his film of the time did nearly say...
Diamonds are for....Heather!

© Keith Jellicoe