Waiting for her in the usual bar br He finds she's late again. br Impatience frets at him, br But not the fearful, half-sweet pain he knew br So long ago. br br That cherished perturbation is replaced br By styptic irritation br And, under that, a cold br Dark current of dejection moves br That this is so. br br There was a time when all her failings were br Delights he marvelled at: br It seemed her clumsiness, br Forgetfulness and wild non-sequiturs br Could never grow br br Wearisome, nor would he ever tire br Of doting on those small br Blemishes that proved br Her beauty as the blackbird's gloss affirms br The bridal snow. br br The clock above the bar records her theft br Of time he cannot spare; br Then suddenly she's here. br He stands to welcome and accuse her with br A grey 'Hello'. br br And sees, for one sly instant, in her eyes br His own aggrieved dislike br Wince back at him before br Her smile draws blinds. 'Sorry I'm late,' she says.