I loved that dress so much I wanted to wear it everyday,
even if it had a stain on it just below the chin,
I had a very strong nature with my own ideas,
my mother was exasperated, because she knew I'd win.
94 wonderful years full of hard work, fun and excitement,
Vivian was the last of her generation and truly loved by all,
she celebrated life and taught us all to do the same,
and to pick yourself up whenever you stumble or fall.
I'm like a teenager waiting for her boyfriend to call,
and although I laugh at myself, I run when the phone rings,
because I know you will be on the other end of the line,
and I know just what happiness your voice brings.
So Happy 75th Birthday,
That's really what these words are for,
here's to you, (NAME), you're truly wonderful,
and here's to our love, for evermore.
I remember the time when Andrea got caught smoking,
I also remember the time when she changed her lock,
she got fed up with me always borrowing her shoes,
and yes, I'll admit to borrowing the odd party frock.
However, it wasn't shining so brightly on your birthday,
if I recall (you won't remember), you were twenty one,
so wasted, you had to be carried up the stairs by a friend,
that night, certainly, your drinking days were done.
Because you taught me that everything is possible,
and now I find a way, because you gave me the will,
and I know you stayed with Mom as long as you could,
but at the end of the day, she?s really quite ill.
My mother has been my inspiration,
she has guided me throughout my life,
and there are some words that I need to say,
especially now that I'm a wife :)
In fact, you used to give in to my every wish
and to her favourite person, you just couldn't say "No",
but I also know that if I needed someone to talk to,
well, I knew exactly where I should go.
When I was a little girl,
I always dreamed of this day,
I knew the words off by heart,
I knew exactly what I would say.
Every week, she watches my daughter while I work,
and it was not easy, caring for a child on my own,
but (NAME) has always loved me so unconditionally,
I'm very grateful for all the love that she's shown.
I'd also like to say Happy 75th Birthday,
I guess that's really what these words are for,
here's to you, <NAME>, you're truly wonderful,
and here's to our everlasting love, for evermore.
I also wanted to say what a beautiful lady you are,
not only are you attractive, you're also very smart,
I don't think you should listen to what your husband says,
this success story spotted another one right from the start.
We remember the camping trips at Mill Creek,
where skunks were always the uninvited guest,
and we'd attend the Presley's Mountain Music jubilee,
and Mom would laugh at Sid and the parts she liked the best.
Because I could always talk to my Gran, open and honestly,
she is a true South African and the best cook I have ever known,
any hour of the day, she always made my favourite of everything,
I'm very grateful for all the love that she's shown.
Ah, Mignonne, in how few hours,
The petals of her purple flowers
All have faded, fallen, died;
Sad Nature, mother ruinous,
That seest thy fair child perish thus
'Twixt matin song and even tide.
And her short bread biscuits were simply to die for,
not to mention her sweet potato and macaroni & cheese,
and I'll never forget the Christmas Mock Crayfish,
the best ever. (Would you like some more? Yes, please!)
Because (NAME) is so very special to me,
and she looks so beautiful with her married wings unfurled,
and I just wanted to say "thanks for always being there for me",
you're the best big sister in the whole wide world.
I have many wonderful pictures of you as a young woman,
and from them, I know that you were a very beautiful bride
but I just know I couldn't have chosen a finer grandmother,
I know I couldn't - even if I'd tried.
See, Mignonne, hath not the Rose,
That this morning did unclose
Her purple mantle to the light,
Lost, before the day be dead,
The glory of her raiment red,
Her colour, bright as yours is bright?
As you know, I fell pregnant at a tender age,
and that could put any teenager under a strain,
but in my hour of need, (NAME) was there for me,
and in my days of need, she was there, again and again.
And I also wanted to Happy 80th Birthday,
I guess that's really what these words are for,
here's to you, (NAME), grandmother, you're truly wonderful,
and here's to at least another eighty more!
I also wanted to say "Happy Birthday",
but there's a few other words that need to be said,
because I know I'm a hot tempered guy,
and some times my tongue gets easily led.
birthday girl girl her lady lady she stripper woman woman
Copyright Allen Jesson :o) 1995-2007
www.agiftofpoetry.com
