The speaker describes a life ruled by work. They mark things up in red ink, add up figures with "orthodox hands," and stay at the office through one dinner after another. The images suggest an accountant, editor, or manager, someone whose job is to correct and tally. The phrase "orthodox hands" hints at a rigid, by-the-book way of doing things, as if even the body has learned to follow rules.
The last stanza gives the reason, or the excuse: "if we play we lose / too much time." Time is treated like money, something that drains away when spent on fun. The word "we" is interesting, because it suggests a shared attitude, perhaps a whole workplace or culture, not just one person.
The mood is dry, tense, and a little joyless. The short lines and flat tone feel like the clipped rhythm of a busy day. The speaker never complains outright, but the quiet cost of this drive is easy to feel.