An invitation
       to observe a spectacle of dishes
             laid out with care
each too beautiful to destroy
      and yet the desire to taste too strong
to meet new friends
     conversation on any subject
            but no emotions allowed
all sentiment to be left with your coat
      and collected on leaving
a glass of port
      an exchange of ideas
            feelings evaporating with perfume of cigars
paintings analysed
        books discussed
                poems recited
                        and jokes laughed at
no people present
       privacy to be respected at all costs
              going home to a feeling of emptiness
something missing
        permission to reach out and touch
to know
        and to be known