Phone for the fish knives, Norman <br />As cook is a little unnerved; <br />You kiddies have crumpled the serviettes <br />And I must have things daintily served. <br /> <br />Are the requisites all in the toilet? <br />The frills round the cutlets can wait <br />Till the girl has replenished the cruets <br />And switched on the logs in the grate. <br /> <br />It's ever so close in the lounge dear, <br />But the vestibule's comfy for tea <br />And Howard is riding on horseback <br />So do come and take some with me <br /> <br />Now here is a fork for your pastries <br />And do use the couch for your feet; <br />I know that I wanted to ask you- <br />Is trifle sufficient for sweet? <br /> <br />Milk and then just as it comes dear? <br />I'm afraid the preserve's full of stones; <br />Beg pardon, I'm soiling the doileys <br />With afternoon tea-cakes and scones.<br /><br />John Betjeman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/how-to-get-on-in-society/
