Poetry

40th Birthday - A Superhero To Me

As we toast your fourth decade,
it’s time to make you see
why, Katie, it is that you’re
a superhero to me.

With Supergirl’s resolve and strength 
you steer your drunk mates home.
Even when they’ve buttoned you in
to a coat that’s not your own! 

Like Batgirl you resourcefully steered
teenage barbecue proceedings.
You deftly survived the house of rats
and you’re ace at wedding readings!

You’ve displayed your Spidey senses 
when you climbed and danced…although
your office softball and U.D.I’s 
might suggest that's not quite so!

You make me think of Elastagirl 
as you juggle your multiple lives.
Chris, Max and Alexia in your heart
your career never compromised. 

You’re a true Wonderwoman.
From Lady Luck you grew.
And, damn, you carried off bright shiny satin 
while in the Masquerades queue!

What’s so clear from our adventures,
over the years, months and hours:-
It’s supersonic wine consumption  
that's our group super power!  

Oh, and of course don't forget...
 that, like Catwoman...
You can...
       Sleep...  
            Anywhere...!

Wedding - A Sugar Free Recipe

Take one third child - a little boy
who’s destined to enlighten  
Constantly smiling and fearless
And for now needs time to ripen

Marinade him with three siblings
And season with lifelong friendships
He grows to be bright and warm
so that even the sun can’t eclipse  

Dust with learning around the globe
Collecting accents like objects
Voices of Plymouth, New Zealand
and London - is Breton the next? 

Chill for some years on frozen slopes
Then take the mixture, when dried
And “Smash The Fat” right out of it
And serve as a dish on the side 

After this long preparation
Fold in with the ingredients
That over a short stretch of sea.
Are growing to be radiant 

Like a fine and elegant wine
Given time to travel and breathe 
One language is learnt and one taught, 
Career where she thrives and succeeds 

Slowly combine with this lady
As lovely as lovely can be
Strong and joyous and beautiful
The Celtic tastes of Brittany 

The mixture now is vibrant
In London it grows with a kiss
Dances and parties in costume
And no movie film do they miss 

Place in various locations
'Til in Basingstoke they have found
A place to make homely and warm
Welcoming loved ones all round 

And finally time for the bake
which for one full day we require
One sublime, perfect wedding day
Somewhere in a field in Hampshire 

Turn it out and what do we find?
With fresh new family are blessed
The Felthams and Le Doussals with
This marriage that’s real, not processed. 

New Baby - Alexander the Great Inventor

Inventors through time have changed the world.
But Sixteenth of July, Seventeen
made inventions like wheel, phone and internet
appear to be merely routine.

Alexander, you beat every single one
from da Vinci to John Logie Baird.
For you invented this heartwarming smile
that we thank the heavens you shared. 

No motorcar or aeroplane
can compete with you, dearest boy.
For you invented this wonderful sound,
a voice that conveys purest joy.

Edison and Burners-Lee looked far
but their vision just does not compare.
For you invented this adoring gaze
that's offered with bountiful flair.

Your inventing career is versatile
to date, and will not be outclassed.
What started at eight pounds eight ounces
is destined to be boundless and vast. 

So think bright and far, our precious one,
with vision that’s way off the chart.
Invent the world all over again
and hold our love in your heart.