At half past ten when alone with my slice
for you had early dinner on doctor's advice
I miss you darling at the dining table
your listening of my recaps of the day's fables!

Now I have my dinner in an empty space
with none to be teased none to address
just eating in silence on my lonely chair
missing you darling wishing you were there.

If you aren't there who do I tease
who do I sell poems who do I please
my avidest listener most ardent fan
I miss you badly my dining companion.

Comes half past ten I don't feel nice
sitting by myself with the lonely slice
now I know dear it's no small price
to not have you at dinner on doctor's advice.