A Birthday In Place

Believe it or not, my birthday’s been great
Though not one I would have predicted,
Assuming that I would be down in the dumps
For being so virus-restricted.

My pre-sunrise walk was delightful because
The rain I’d expected held off
And no one I passed on the street came too close
And I heard not a sneeze or a cough.

Before my first coffee, my son and his kids
Called with wishes no money could buy
And my grandson surprised me by writing a poem
Starting, “I love my nana…” Oh, my!

A flurry of phone calls and texts followed suit
Since each person I know’s stuck at home,
All with wishes so special I just don’t have room
To describe them inside of a poem.

There was breakfast and lunch and the governor’s talk
Which inspired a fun-to-do task:
With some quilting material, flowered and green,
I then stitched for myself a new mask!

Creative juice flowed so in place of a cake
I baked cupcakes to mark my big day
And my grandkids, on FaceTime, with very big puffs
Blew the flame on the candle away.

Some long-distance toasts with my aunt and some friends
And then dinner and wine with my spouse
Set my spirits on fire with feelings so strong
It would take more than water to douse.

We may have to adjust in this craziness now
To reality unlike before
But it isn’t all negative for we may find
Unexpected surprises in store.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 9:37 PM
So nice to hear that your birthday was so pleasant and so special. Biz hundred tzvantsik, Ilene, mit a gezunt! Many happy returns on the day! Cheers, Gershon
Amadore Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 2:18 PM
Birthday wishes Ilene! And kudos on this poem -- it is a really good one.
Leffanta Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 1:35 PM
Happy birthday! I marvel at your ability to manage your time and words so well! Stay safe and healthy! Aloha! Rico
 Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 12:29 PM
Ilene, I love your poem A Birthday in Place. I lead a poetry appreciation group for the U3A in Leigh, England and I am sending out a poem a day to the group to keep everyone's spirits up. It is a forum to keep in touch and to appreciate poetry. Could I share your poem with them?
Bauer Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 12:47 PM
Sure thing!
Watt Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 2:11 AM
Ilene, your birthday was filled with so many timely and surprising delights. So glad it was a happy day filled with the love of family and loved ones... I like the candles being blown out on FaceTime! My daughter's birthday was Tuesday and she had some similar creativity going on. Loved it! Happy birthday, friend!
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