The Muse at the Hotel Lombardy

Host at my single table

I face the unseen guest --

a place set for the angel,

as if that soul could rest.

Once I knew one, held one

that left, but leaves this shade.

A shadow abides with me,

a trace by longing laid.

That Cupid kiss like promising

the heart that cannot stay;

in vacant room, the echo --

absent love, same way.

Incarnate one now joins me,

the banquet set before.

The spirit at my supper --

than such repast, no more!