He has lived with that Californian
for twenty years; the one who attempts
to serve him microwaved tea
and rolls her eyes when he refuses
to eat dinner and dessert with the same fork.
She holds her breath while spreading
Marmite on toast and still places fruit
with savory dishes. I've even seen her fish
an ice cube from his glass
with her fingers. She refuses to make
fried bread and several times a week
forgets to warm his dinner plate.
I am told she won't even taste
Branston Pickle! If it wasn't for the way
she adores his accent--he'd be gone.