[Verse 1] The nurse says, “She’s awake today.” I sign my name and walk the hall. The flowers by the window changed. The blue chair hasn’t moved at all. You look up when I come inside. You ask if I’ve been here before. I say, “A couple times, I think.” You laugh. I close the door. [Pre-Chorus] I pour the tea. You take it plain. You used to add Two sugars then. [Chorus] It’s Tuesday afternoon. The buses pass outside. You ask me where I’m from. I give the shorter reply. We talk about the weather. You straighten out my sleeve. At four o’clock I stand to go. You ask how long I’ll be. [Verse 2] I brought the lemon cake again. You say it tastes familiar. You tell me someone used to bake One almost like it years ago. I say, “She must have known you well.” You nod and take another bite. A little crumb falls on your dress. I brush it off. You say, “That’s nice.” [Pre-Chorus] Outside the glass, The leaves come down. The four-ten bus Goes by again. [Chorus] It’s Tuesday afternoon. The light moves down the wall. You ask me what I do. I say, “Nothing much at all.” You tell the same old story. I listen like it’s new. Halfway through, you lose the end. I say, “I forget things too.” [Bridge] You ask, “How’s your mother?” I look at the cup Between your hands. “She’s doing all right,” I say. You smile. “That’s good.” [Final Chorus] It’s Tuesday afternoon. The nurse comes for the tray. You fold the paper napkin And put it neatly away. I pick my coat up from the chair. The four-ten bus goes by outside. You move your handbag from the seat Beside you Like before. [Outro] You wave. I wave. I say, “I’ll come by next week.” You say, “All right.” Next Tuesday.
