Waffling

It’s the day after your birthday, 

But I didn’t bring you flowers 

(The garden is empty) 

And I didn’t take you out to dinner

 (We have Covid, so we’re stuck at home) 

And the presents that I ordered 

Won’t arrive until today, 

So I asked what I could make you for dinner, 

And you said, “Waffles!” 

We’re old now, we’re allowed 

To have waffles for dinner, 

Though we never have before, 

So I got out the waffle iron, 

Which was covered with dust, 

And washed it off, and made waffles, 

With chopped bananas. I also cooked up bacon, 

 And heated maple syrup, 

Even though all those things are usually 

Your responsibility, and the first waffle 

Stuck to the grill and shredded

 (I’ve not made waffles in four decades 

And forgot to oil the grill) 

And we ate it all, and smiled: 

This might become a tradition.