The Partial Explanation by Charles Simic
I don’t particularly care for eating alone in restaurants. I find this poem very sad and lonely, and I can really imagine myself in the speaker’s position, inside the luncheonette, yet feeling isolated from everyone including the kitchen staff.
The Partial Explanation
By Charles Simic
Seems like a long time
Since the waiter took my order.
Grimy little luncheonette,
The snow falling outside.
Seems like it has grown darker
Since I last heard the kitchen door
Behind my back
Since I last noticed
Anyone pass on the street.
A glass of ice-water
Keeps me company
At this table I chose myself
Upon entering.
And a longing,
Incredible longing
To eavesdrop
On the conversation
Of cooks.
