Dyspepsia

Glancing into the hostess' eyes
he holds them only a moment before discovering hers to be dull and empty
a wasted beauty, an empty mind,
and with much loathing, he turns away

Moving to distance himself
he is then disturbed by a disheveled and imposing creature in a misfit dress
who squeezes by him quite unmindful of his presence
and with much contempt, he shudders with revulsion

Stepping back
he is suddenly accosted by a drunkard
who proceeds, with shameful humor, to tell a tasteless joke
until his singular audience swiftly takes his leave

Retrieving coat and hat in disgust, he quits the house
and as the party wears into the night
a guest inquires after the misanthrope
whose early retirement is given over to indigestion