I Dine Alone Poem by Barry Middleton

I did not pay attention
I simply wasn't looking
perhaps it was the dog
but I was busy cooking

I felt a screen door slam
something left the house
it might just be the cat
or nothing but a mouse

I turned to stir potatoes
it could have been a ghost
the table must be set
I dare not burn the roast

dishes now need washing
and errands must be run
I wish I had more time
to join in childhood fun

something left the house
the children are all grown
now the chores are done
and now I dine alone