Dining Alone - Carla Bley

Dining alone

Sipping his wine

Watching the door

Checking the time

Is that her?

What to do

False alarm

One more glass ‘till she shows

Or perhaps someone else he knows

Might try her

Maybe not

Just can’t speak

Passing the salt

Without a word

All eyes lowered

Avoiding looks

Faces in books

Through the door

Is it true?

Yes, it’s her

What to do

Politely smile

Turn away

What to say

Passing time takes its toll

Nothing said

Time to go

What to do

Try and joke

Tongue tied!

Thinking next day

It’s been too long

Eating elsewhere

More friendly types

Trying again

Might make friends

Have a drink

Maybe smile

At someone nice across the aisle

Someday, perhaps

Who knows?

Dining alone

Sipping his wine

Watching the door

Playing for time

No one comes

Lights turn low

Time to go