A Birthday Magpie

Today's Magpie is a tribute to my father, who turns 70 years old tomorrow (thanks Willow for the timely prompt!). He is the youngest 70 year old I know. Happy birthday Daddy!

 

When you were born
a great war raged
although your grandmother
wasn't yet a 7 star mother.
Two uncles gone
in the war to end all wars.

Of course, I didn't
know you then.

When I was born
you slept in the
waiting room.
You had been up
since dawn 'cause
cows don't wait
for milking.

But I don't
remember that.

I remember a brown

uniform & packed lunches

and company turkeys

and bedtime stories

and breakfasts of champions

and how selflessly you cared

for my dying mother.

Now there's your new love
and a big garden
and golf on bad greens,
and grandchildren
and choir practice
and a turn on the stage.

Seventy turns
around the sun –
by my count
you aren't even
nearly done.

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