Ode To Anne

     
                        ODE TO ANNE ( ON HER 6OTH BDAY )

                        What’s a birthday, my friend ?
                        They say age is just a number,
                        Or marking time on earth
                        by carving  a notch against the woodwork
                        for every passing of the year.
                        But you and I know better
                        Than idly counting days in boredom;
                        No  empty hours to waste, but hasten
                        to do good and do well.
                        Life has been paid for with a high price ,
                        and the wisdom of the years written on
                        your temples’ graying hairs.
                        Let the young observe and learn
                        how life’s hard lessons served you well;
                        Have fun, then : laugh, dance on your birthday,
                      cut the cake, drink the wine of joy on this merry day.
                      Embrace life with passion, with friends of distinction;
                      Oh it’s a pity I had to be away today!
                      Marking sixty is not too bad, is it,
                      when the great God leads the way.