A Birthday Ballade

For Ben, who only likes poems that rhyme.

There never was a man like him

Who touched my lonesome heart;

The light I have he would not dim

Nor pierce, nor poison, nor dart

when gracious words turn tart.

He stays nearby, he is steadfast.

Though things conspire to tear apart,

We bless the mem’ries of our past.

Perched in the trees he will not die,

He refuses to be killed.

Down on the ground, his bride says hi

And wonders at his will.

His bravery is mixed with zeal

Health restored at last!

Nature is a helpful pill

We bless the mem’ries of our past.

The recent years have been most fraught,

So many can be blamed.

A fragile peace we’ve often sought

Still many storms remain.

We vow to always be the same.

Our love a plea that must be cast,

A world that burns, we’ll dance in flames.

We bless the mem’ries of our past.

I hope that in the years to come

Our joy will be vast

From our wrinkled lips, a contented hum

We bless the mem’ries of our past.