And state their surreal reasons with a smile

I  went and got a few, new .small size 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  dearest friends.

Y0ur dish of  onions,garlic,and  spring lamb;

Bright 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 larger dinner plates.

To separate from these, I’m   feeling loth.

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

They’ve not cooked  Jane Grigson in  a while

Are they afraid I’ll steal their  husband man?

And  state their  surreal reasons with a smile

In the guide for  losers I was told

Prepare to lose some friends and then some more.

I don’t want their men so  mild, unbold

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 steel,  the glass, and the old copper.

I dry the lids  of each ;I muse on  colour

What shall I conjure up for my last  supper?

What  gruesome  healthy diet shall I follow?

I  want to be with you one lost hour.

A   cup of Earl Grey  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 I were in your arms, just lying.

I’ve tired of churches and of praying.

I felt that tendon in your  long left hand

You turned  around and smiled so brightly.

Then the curtains of  your death descend.

You slipped away so  gently ; love you quietly.