Terracotta dishes

I ‘ve had to buy some smaller dishes

The old ones are too big for  only me

I weep as in the bowl I  gently wash

The ones we used  to use when we had tea.

 

Here’s a terracotta  Spanish pan.

We  filled to entertain our friends.

Y0ur dish of onions and lamb;

Tomatoes added to the blend.

 

Here’s a souffle dish  for  six  or eight .

Cheese or lemon,  you enjoyed them both.

And here are all the dinner plates.

Too separate from these, I’m   feeling loth.

 

I don’t know if I’ll cook for friends again

They’ve not cooked for me just lately.

Are they afraid I’ll steal their man?

They  state their reasons so politely.

 

In the guide for widows I was told

Prepare to lose some friends and then some more.

I don’t want their men so  mild yet bold

I’ve closed   the windows and   I’ve locked the doors

 

I feel they compliment me as they think

I’m so  alluring  I can pull again.

But I have  had enough of  loveless links.

I don’t want any  cast off ,needy  men.

 

I dry the pyrex and the copper.

I dry the lids and  muse on  colours

What shall I have for my supper?

What  healthy diet shall I follow?

 

I just want to be with you one hour.

A   cup of Earl Grey of tea, a chance to talk.

But I accept that will be nevermore,

Like my hand in yours on our  long walks

 

I didn’t know that you were dying

The doctors are afraid of saying.

I wish you were  in my arms, just lying.

I’ve tired of churches and of praying.

 

I felt that tendon in your  gentle hand

You turned  around and smiled so brightly.

Then the curtains of  your death descend.

You slipped away so  soft, so quietly.