Is that strange noise a tiger or a rat?

As I lie alone in my large bed
Occasionally graced by a big cat
I recall  the habits of the long gone dead

For there is an article I  just read
How  entire families used to lay down and might chat
As I sing along in my large bed

I wonder what my husband would have said
Had I asked the neighbours  to do that
I recall  the habits of the friendly dead

I know my bed is smaller than a shed
The surface seems unsteady and not flat
As I lie and tell the truth in my large bed

I feel ashamed; my  high boned cheeks are red
Is that strange noise a tiger or a rat?
I cry,I’m  missing  all my friends who’re dead

If   our innings comes, we each must bat
For life does not award an aegrotat
As I lie in reverie in my  bed
I  float into a dream  redeeming  dread.