How can you tell me you're lonely

Sadness overwhelmed me when the busker quietly sang Streets of London. I hope he didn't get moved on too quickly, but in a street market liberally adorned with covid safety signs, tapes and bollards I was probably lucky to see any of his performance. I took a few deep breaths and moved on to buy bread, bacon and coffee. Many people were wearing masks in the streets, and keeping a reasonable distance from others.

I went home for a bacon buttie and to ponder on a conversation with a market florist who mentioned her elderly  mother's fears that the political narrative is reminiscent of bad times in Germany. Today the phrase "protect the elderly and vulnerable" strikes a darker tone. Would I still be able to enjoy a busker in a market while spending cash to support the local economy?