Franklin's Table

Dinner with Ben Franklin on Friday night

The invitation read

Of course I wrote and thanked him

I wouldn't miss it for the world I said

His table is so well kept

He plays the glass harmonica

And talks of wind and kites

The habits of the court of France

And other strange delights

Of course I've heard it all before

On other wintry nights

And yet there is no better wine or conversation

The English call it claret

And clear and red it sits inside my glass

Sent to us from Paris

A greater kindness never came to pass

We'll drink his health, with the last

He plays the glass harmonica

And talks of wind and kites

Of almanacs and specacles

And other strange delights

Of course I've heard it all before

On other wintry nights

And yet there is no better wine or conversation

Time goes by in stories

Wine goes by, dark and young

When it comes my turn here

I'll be telling one with a purple tongue

The night grows philosophic

I miss a word or two, it must be said

As I hear them talking

I sink a little keeping in my chair

Thanking the fates that brought me here

He plays the glass harmonica

And talks of wind and kites

Of lightening and odometers

And other strange delights

Of course I've heard it all before

On other wintry nights

And yet there is no better wine or conversation