Categories: uncategorized
Date: 21 March 2011 10:23:14
The sky was shining blue this morning
And the breeze blew gently through my hair
As I walked the country path to town
Past farm, flowers and gently flowing stream.
The Equinox had truly, this year marked the beginning of Spring.
Walking past the catkins bright and small, hanging on a branch
And lush green grass illuminated against the sky
I thought about their birthdays
Those two people
Who themselves sprung into Spring.
One, if walking with me, would have been able
Without any trace of hesitation
To name each and every plant and flower along the way
And each bird hiding in the trees
Whose song provided the soundtrack to my journey.
I sensed this day
With it's freshness and new life
Emerging after a harsh winter
Would have been the ideal birthday present
And he would have simply sat surveying it
With a cup of tea and slice of cake, gently smiling
At peace, just as he is now.
Then I reflected on the discussions of retirement
And the long lurch to the end of the academic year
Where life would be changing forever
Because of the number reached today
65, just another birthday
But one which she said would always mark retirement.
There should have been this discussion
There should have been this bitter sweet celebration
Which would have been interupted by thoughts of Thursday
And the strike which she would have supported.
There should have been cake,
There should have been a meal.
Yet, it was not to be
She is not here
To do any of these things
Her birthday is now
An anniversary left for us to use
To think, pray and mourn
What should have been but isn't.