50th Birthday Poem
Miss Perfection, that's what you are!
Not a strand of hair out of place,
smooth and sleek like an elegant gazelle,
a passion for exactness burning deep within,
driving you to right that crooked picture on the wall,
the urge you simply cannot resist -
“No, no, no! That just won't do,” you say.
“It must be like this!”
Spick and span your house must be,
everything just so,
colours blending in perfect harmony,
that's what you want to see,
but decisions need their time,
perfection can't be rushed,
impulse buying just isn't on,
one has to think, reflect,
then decide – so, shush!
Attention to detail, that's your aim,
you'll do a task when you're ready, not before,
and that's just dandy and fine,
'cos you do it all so carefully and well,
so what does it matter if it's done in 'Wendy-time'?
A warm-hearted colleague performing
everything with gentle kindness and grace -
a welcoming receptionist,
skilful shampooer,
efficient car mover,
smiling tea and coffee maker,
always lending a helping hand
when the customer's unsure,
leading them across the road
or swiftly opening the door.
But don't be fooled -
you'll say your mind when it needs to be said
(a shrinking violet just isn't your style)
for determination and persistence lie deep within,
they've helped you to ride life's difficult swells,
giving you the resilience to come out on top and win.
Now it's the big five-oh,
a landmark indeed,
what can we say but thank you, Wendy,
for being a colleague in a million
and a wonderful friend -
so here's the champagne, let's pour...
And the toast – what shall we say?
'To the next fifty years and more!'
Copyright © Helena Harper
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Christening Poem
(written for a godmother)
Such a happy, smiling face,
Always laughing with pure, innocent delight,
Sweet button nose twitching, tiny cute ears curling,
Beautiful big blue eyes, shining so bright.
Placid and calm - always content,
Even a knock from a ceiling light on the head
Brings no fear to Amelia,
But for me? Endless seconds of horrible dread!
I'll promise to help teach you to swim
And promise we'll visit the zoo,
I’ll take you to the pictures with Kirk
And we’ll have fun at Legoland, too.
Your Mummy, Amy, will sometimes say 'Yes!'
And your Daddy, Andy, will often say 'No!'
But remember, dear precious Amelia,
It's just the river of love embracing all in its flow.
Soon it'll be wine, shopping and New York
That your heart into ecstasy will send -
These will be the moments of joy you'll treasure
With Amy, your mother and best friend.
Yet with each passing minute
Our hearts will brim over with love
And we'll watch you so proudly, Amelia,
Like your heavenly Father above.
Copyright © Helena Harper
| To Commemorate a Wonderful Life
Marie, a name of simple elegance,
like the lady that bore that name,
though her slim, slight build belied
fierce independence, courage and strength,
hiding a will that refused to bow
to norms of conventionality,
helping her to brave life's storms
with resourcefulness and dignity.
Devoted mother,
caring sister,
generous aunt,
freely giving her time
to help the sick and infirm,
informing and enlivening
with gayness of manner
and quickness of tongue.
Taking pleasure creating
culinary delights,
exciting two young nieces
with yawning,
cavernous appetites.
Delighting in nature,
her garden a passion,
feeling at one with plants and trees,
though garden work
as the years go by
is no real friend
to delicate, ageing knees.
Memories of a wonderful companion
for old and young alike,
brighten the eyes and curve the lips
as one sees once more this lady
recounting tales of days gone by
with softish voice and humour wry...
A gentle, kind and wise old soul,
whose days now pass in that garden beyond -
may she find enchantment there,
surrounded by love and peace,
rejoicing in the beautiful flowers
of heaven's scented kiss.
Copyright © Helena Harper
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Squires and Dames
(a hairdressers)
Too long, too short,
too thick, too thin,
too frizzy, too straight -
does your hair
drive you to despair?
Not to worry!
For help is at hand
from that merry band
at Squires and Dames,
cutting and colouring,
perming and setting
with smiling skill
and fabulous flair,
as you sip your coffee
and drink your tea,
enjoying a friendly chat,
all for a price that's
reasonable and fair
that won't break
the camel's back.
So come on down
John, Julie and James
to the warm and welcoming
Squires and Dames!
Copyright © Helena Harper
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Strictly Danceasize
Tap those toes
and stamp those feet,
swing those hips
and bend those knees,
musical energy tingling limbs
shimmying over the polished floor,
Rumba, Samba, Salsa, Jive,
Cha Cha Cha and
much much more,
smiling faces, glowing eyes -
“What fun!” the people shout.
“This can't be, surely, exercise?”
No, it's strictly heart-pumping,
joy-bringing
DANCEASIZE!
So forget the T.V. and join in the fun,
everyone welcome, please do come!
Copyright © Helena Harper
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