Poems by John Peter Read

The years are taking their toll.
Another birthday has now arrived.
People you meet say you're still looking young.
With a smile, you wink and say, "Nice try."

You have a few more aches and pains.
In fact, a different one each day.
Your eyesight's none too clever,
And your hearing has started to fade.

Your memory has gone on vacation,
Although you no longer travel too far.
You try to avoid meeting old friends
Because nowadays you forget who they are.

Wrinkles are appearing like magic.
Your hair is silver and grey.
When you wake, you praise the Lord
Just to have survived for another day.

Yes, birthdays used to be special.
When you're old, they're not as much fun.
You no longer want to rejoice and party.
Your mind's still willing, but your body has gone.

I'm so sorry I missed your birthday.
A special day, I know it's true.
But birthdays are only here one day,
And I love you the whole year through.

Birthday cards are only pieces of paper,
Verses written by someone we never knew.
How could they ever truly explain
All the feelings I have for you?

So I've bought a card without any verse
As I wanted to write one of my own
To let you know what you really mean to me
And not words from someone unknown.

Yes, birthday cards are just pieces of paper
That we read then just put away,
But my love for you is forever,
And forever means now and always.