Automatic Doors

Ooh-ooh, da-da-da-da Ooh-ooh, da-da-da-da Fluorescent afternoon Plastic basket, aisle two I approached at normal speed The glass stayed where it used to be I stepped back behind the line Tried again from left, then right Someone drifted past my sleeve Both doors opened instantly One step forward, one step back Wave a hand above the mat Little red eye, little green light No response — I tried it twice Automatic doors Automatic doors Ooh-ooh, da-da-da-da Don’t open for me Automatic doors Automatic doors I do the little sideways step They don’t open for me Then the tap refused to run Soap dispenser: also none The hand dryer ignored both hands I changed position, changed my stance The hallway light went out at three I was standing underneath A little jump, a little spin The light came back, then died again One step forward, one step back Wave a hand above the tap Little red eye, little green light No response — I tried it twice Automatic doors Automatic doors Ooh-ooh, da-da-da-da Don’t open for me Automatic doors Automatic doors I do the little sideways step They don’t open for me Auto—auto—matic Open—open—no Auto—auto—matic Da-da-da-da—no Open—open—open— No Then a small dog crossed the floor Every panel moved at once Glass slid neatly to each side I followed with my head held high Automatic doors Automatic doors Ooh-ooh, da-da-da-da They opened for the dog Automatic doors Automatic doors I walked through casually They didn’t open for me Automatic doors Automatic doors Ooh-ooh, da-da-da-da Don’t open for me Ooh-ooh, da-da-da-da Not technically for me Ooh-ooh, da-da-da-da Not for me