I waited at Gino's, consumed several muffins,
Presumed I'd been stood up, and slumped in my chair.
Presumed that your absence was calmly deliberate,
A way of informing me you didn't care.

I waited an hour, then moved on to the Anchor.
I got drunk, then slunk homeward, and there on the mat
Was the Evening News, with its huge banner headline:
"LESBIAN ARSONIST FIRES LOVER'S FLAT"  

I read how Amanda Macrone (37)
Had stormed from her flat on discovering the plan
Of her Sapphic life-sharer (a Ms P. Montgomery)
To meet up with her previous lover, a man.

I read how the neighbours heard sobbing and yelling
When Amanda returned with two litres of meths.
I read how she screamed, in a Morningside accent:
"If not joined in our lives, we'll be joined in our deaths."

I read how brave Penny had rescued the triplets.
(The paper, predictably, mixed up their names)
I read how the Fire Brigade turned on their hoses.
I read how Amanda expired in the flames.

I know that the News will of course over-dramatise,
But assume that they've printed the nub of the case.
I was dazed when I read it, and you must be more so.
Remember there's plenty of room at Stan's place.

No strings - I'm not saying come back as my wifey.
But you and the triplets could be quiet here,
Away from all cops and all tabloid reporters.
Come back to your Stanley, my Penny, my dear.

In any case, Penny, you'll know where to find me -
Gino's tomorrow, around half-past two.
And Penny, remember, you'll always be welcome.
No strings, as I said. Well, I leave it to you.