Birthday Gifts

I don’t think I shall quite forget the name Camilla Martin.
She’s the teacher of me grandson at the local kindergarten.
No question she’s a lovely lady; dedicated through and through,
but the lesson that she learnt this day is one that I learnt too.  

It just happened on the day I drove young ‘Gaz’ to kindergarten,
there’s a special birthday happening - it’s his teacher Mrs. Martin.
I wondered why young Gazza had this present all wrapped up,
so after telling me the reason, he whispered “It’s a cup.” 

It was a special morning for all the Mums and Dads were there.
I was the only Grandpa but young Gazza didn’t seem to care.
There’s a birthday cake with candles, lollies, hats and lemonade, 
and the kids all brought a present … and I’m glad I overstayed …

To see the look upon the faces of the kids who held their gift,
as Mrs. Martin stood up at the front to give these kids a lift, 
by waiting to receive each offer as presented one by one,
and she really liked the cup handed to her by me grandson. 

And the other little children were quite interesting as well,
as they stepped up to the podium with a similar tale to tell,
when Mrs. Martin made predications to what the wrapping held,
for she knew the parents business thinking that their gift has gelled.  

She’s spot on with Jenny Damon whose family own a florist store. 
Mrs. Martin beamed out “Flowers,” and Jenny smiled, “For sure.”
When the local milk bar’s Billy Cann stepped up beaming bright,
Mrs. Martin said “This must be chocolate,” and Billy nods “That’s right.”

Mrs. Martin waited patiently for ‘Ginger’ Roberts from the hotel,
who stepped forward with his gift that she thought that she could tell,
because it appeared somewhat a shoebox that did have an ominous sign;
it appeared a bottle’s leaking and she gathered it was wine.

Mrs. Martin put her finger in the liquid but the taste to her is strange,
and for a joke she said to ‘Ginge’, “Is this not Penfolds Grange?” 
‘Ginge’ answered “No” so Mrs. Martin tried to guess again,
with one more taste upon her lips, she asked, “Is this champagne?”

‘Ginge’ shook his head when saying “No”, so Mrs. Martin gave a sigh, 
“Well I give up,” she smiled at ‘Ginge’ “No, I’ll give it one more try.” 
So on her lips goes one last taste to resolve this gift of grog
as Ginger interrupted - “Mrs. Martin … it’s a little puppy dog.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Proxenos Avatar
November 27, 2021 at 6:55 AM
I can imagine she rushed out of the classroom, but it is a lesson learnt that she will also hand down. Your humor is really a talent Lindsay. Hugs and blessings Jennifer.
Laurie Avatar
December 4, 2021 at 9:09 PM
Hello Jennifer ... a lesson not to ever assume. Then again, who would wrap up a puppy. Thank you once again for your kind comment Jennifer - Lindsay
Debole Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 4:02 PM
What an unexpected clever ending! Great humor!
Laurie Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 9:49 PM
Hello Gail ... I guess with humorous poems, the end result can be an unexpected twist. Pleased you liked this Gail - Lindsay
Ball Avatar
November 22, 2021 at 5:08 AM
Oh, Oh, Oh! This is too, too cute and funny. This is one of my faves. Love it. The imagery is spot on. You are a master story teller my friend. God Bless, JB
Laurie Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 9:44 PM
Hello Judy ... I must admit, it is funny because it is easy to picture the scene - thank you for your fine comment Judy - Lindsay
Buhagiar Avatar
November 19, 2021 at 10:43 PM
"Lovely" twit to this fun poem. You are a great story teller. ~~
Laurie Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 9:41 PM
Hello Victor ... thank you for your encouraging comment Victor - Lindsay
George Avatar
November 19, 2021 at 6:32 PM
This has been such an unexpected turn to the whole story ! However puppy urine didn't make her bark..... ! Really enjoyed, Lindsay !
Laurie Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 9:40 PM
Hello Valsa ... perhaps the puppy gave a little whine which Mrs. Martin mistook. I'm pleased you enjoyed this poem Valsa - Lindsay
De Beaulieu Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 12:14 PM
Hello Laurie, i do think she will like the puppy. enjoy your day my friend.
Laurie Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 9:37 PM
Hello Darlene ... I don't think Mrs. Martin will try to guess a gift in future - you enjoy your day too Darlene - Lindsay
Leffanta Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 9:42 AM
Urine luck, again! Enjoyed! Aloha!
Laurie Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 9:32 PM
Hello Rico ... I guess the moral is; just because it's a publican, don't assume the gift is a bottle of wine - thanks Rico - Lindsay
Wolf Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 9:36 PM
hahahahahaha! Gee, first time I've ever heard of 'puppy dog liquor.' Guess they only have that in Australia, eh, Lindsay! And remember: There's no outsmartin' Camille Martin! lol. :) gw
Laurie Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 9:24 PM
Ha Gershon ... they do drink some odd concoctions at times but 'puppy dog liquor' is only available in kindergartens I'd say. They say don't eat yellow snow either - thanks Gershon - Lindsay
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