A big lemon muffin and a warm mince pie,
And two hot cups of tea.
Each day when Christmas, at a cafe we buy,
My friend Isabel and me.

We're elderly ladies of well-earned leisure,
And around this, frame our day.
A while of peace and pastry-filled pleasure,
For which in turn we gladly pay.

At other times the treat trolley varies,
Its seductive selection of cakes.
Some it would seem being provided by fairies,
And an awfully good job each one makes.

Though offerings are subject to seasonal change,
This regular afternoon treat.
We only but rarely if ever rearrange,
And continue this appointment to meet.

We catch up on all that has changed since we last,
Both sat here enjoyingly the same.
Though little new knowledge or gossip amassed,
We're life affirmingly pleased that we came.

We part expecting that we'll return here again,
Or that's what we're hoping of course.
For as long as we can, this routine we'll sustain,
As of happiness and friendship a source.

A big lemon muffin and a warm mince pie,
Nourishing each elderly soul.
A virtue which my dear friend Isabel and I,
For all in our position extol.