William C Ross’ most recent poem to appear here was Homespun Homily (April 2014).
Dinner for One
By William C Ross
The second martini is much like the first,
Putting hunger on hold, allaying the thirst.
His entree arrives, fresh caught from its swim.
And relayed through the waiter’s specials to him.
He lingers over coffee, contemplating dessert.
Any touch of sweetness at this stage couldn’t hurt.
The closing kitchen’s clatter cannot pierce the tone
Of the singular silence of dining alone.
The other patrons file out in quartets and pairs.
Some tables are now adorned with upside-down chairs.
All the servers hurry home, and he would too,
If there were someone at home to hurry home to.
So real, the heartache of being alone. I love how you lined this up and then slipped in… If there were someone at home to hurry home to.