Tom Paxton
Victoria Dines Alone
Victoria dines alone, she skips the potatoes
Victoria begins her meal with greens and tomatoes
Reading the newspaper carefully folded beside her
Hanging her coat by her table and letting it hide her

Victoria dines alone, her dress is old-fashioned
Victoria watches her weight, each meal is rationed
Salisbury steak, and news of the student disorders
Parsnips in butter, and armies patrolling their borders


Victoria's feet are tired, she wants to go home
She orders her coffee with cream, and drinks it alone

Victoria dines alone with Hollywood fables
The waiters are counting the time and polishing tables
Victoria's reading of strong astrological forces
Cheesecake and coffee, and columns of Reno divorces

Victoria's feet are tired, she wants to go home
She orders her coffee with cream, and drinks it alone

Victoria dines alone, she skips the potatoes