Table For One

Lines of people snake down the sidewalk as the restaurant doors swing wide.

Couple after couple gives their names shouting table for two and then come inside.

The January winds stings as I move a few feet into the shadows and out the setting sun.

At last the doors to the foyer I reach and then I softly say…”A table for one”

The aroma of charbroiled steak and fried shrimp filled the air.

Hearts hung on red ribbon strings proclaiming valentines and love everywhere.

I stood and I stood waiting to ever so patiently to be given a seat.

“Table for one” played again and again in my head and not once did a voice to my soul greet.

Twenty minutes later a waitress showed me to a table long and wide.

So peculiar it felt to have such a big seat and not have anyone by my side.

So odd…so very odd it seems as I watched the other couples surrounded by red paper hearts and their secret dreams.

Oh a table for one…I started to just leave.

yet I stayed, I placed my order for a rib eye steak.

And then a song on the radio softly played.

Though this was Friday night…Cat Stevens sang…

“Another Saturday night and I aint got nobody”…..

A table for one even on a Friday night…oh what a shame.

J. Allen Wilson © 1/30/2009

Another Saturday Night_ Cat Stevens