The summit of another year’s been won,
a further 365 days done and here,
I sit reflecting on the last of them.
A call from my parents who gave the gift of life.
At times I’m sure they must have wondered why!
A bottle of whiskey and toffees from my son.
He knows me well. I suspect they will be shared.
Facebook greetings from friends old and new
that spread across the growing years and places.
A simple click perhaps, but strangely moving.
A trio of pairs of socks embroidered with bikes
from friends who’ve shared the ups and downs of life.
Discovering cake and conversation can
cut across divides of difference between us.
And finally a ring. A ring to replace the ring
I snapped that I had worn for thirty years.
The ring isn’t really the gift, it’s just the paper
wrapping the second life that I’ve received.
It’s my birthday. It’s been a good one!
(16.05.25)
Ode for the Day 