When You're Away

When you're away
may I say
the clocks don't even know
anymore how to
chime on time.

And when you're away
nothing's quite as funny
nor sunny
certainly not as punny.

When you're away
even for a day
much less ten
you are not forgotten
not dismissed
just simply missed.

We all stand up on
our dinner chairs
and demand your immediate
return
to our daily cares
for you we yearn
your presents we desire
and wait for you, bereft by the fire.