I KNEW HIM WHEN

he wine was good.
I knew him when.
He had a flight of steps.

He had a maid
He had three cars
He had a wife with a lorgnette.

The wine was good,
I knew him when.
But shoes are hid beneath my chair.
My tie is tied
Where it is worn
My shirt had sleeves
My coat. . . .

The wine was good
So was his face
I knew him when, you see.

But guests were coming
And I stood
and listened
Across from those
Lighted windows.
You see
I only knew him when.