I went to set the table
Two plates, knives, forks and spoons
For me and my new husband
And our first meal after the honeymoon.


I went to set the table
Three plates, knives, forks and spoons
For baby's graduated from the high chair
To sit with us.


I went to set the table
Seven plates, knives, forks and spoons
For now our family has grown
Two girls, three boys and we two.


I went to set the table
Six plates, knives, forks and spoons
The oldest's off to college
I came so near to setting seven still.


I went to set the table
Five plates, knives, forks and spoons
Another one has left the nest
And now they're only three children.


I went to set the table
Three plates, knives, forks and spoons
Two boys have joined the navy
To travel off to foreign shores
And leave us home bound.


I went to set the table
Two plates, knives, forks and spoons
And in my mind repeating
The notes of Pomp and Circumstance,
The graduation march of our youngest.


I went to set the table
Not two, but one plate, knife, fork and spoon
and scarcely worth the effort
To cook a meal at all
For one so lonely and bereft.

Janice Weeks, Chamberlin, Hankins, Rogers