11.17.08

24

Posted in 2008 Potpourri at 4:34 am by Miracle ♪♫

Happy Birthday

By Poet Laureate, Ted Kooser

This evening, I sat by an open window
and read till the light was gone and the book
was no more than a part of the darkness.
I could have easily switched on the lamp,
but I wanted to ride this day down into night,
to sit alone and smooth the unreadable page
with the pale gray ghost of my hand.

¤ ¤ ¤

This is how I envisioned my 24^th birthday; I, the imagined grande dame of my elegantly constructed kingdom, alone, by the window of my territory – my library, with book in hand at the day’s dissolution, riding this day down into the night. Precisely like any other day.

¤ ¤ ¤

But no, loved ones had to celebrate my 24^th anniversary of being evacuated from my mother’s womb in their own marvelous ways! Please excuse the jesting tone. I am striving to be un-sappy despite being extremely moved by what friends and family have done for me. For some reason, my birthday gaiety began as early as November 11 and I have so much to be thankful for:

1. The pretty bouquet of floral balloons which added colour to an already prismatic friendship.
2. The excellent reading lamp (for times when I would prefer to switch on a lamp).
3. Two utterly touching leaves of yellow pad paper delivered by a profoundly philosophical duo who go by the familiar names of Calvin and Hobbes.
4. The angelic art nouveau brass figurine that splendidly matches my bookshelf.
5. The newfangled towel to wrap my Rapunzel hair with, after baths.
6. The ambrosial walnut and coffee cake.
7. The books!
8. For the person who walks under the heat of the sun, clambers up branches, and goes through back-breaking feats just to find signal so we could talk.
9. The heartening call from Brunei and the miracle of a friend responsible for it.
10. Dandi’s gratifying culinary treat.
11. The splendidly and musically designed bookstand from my parents.
12. The lovely and creative piano cake by Mama that made me squeal in delight.
13. The dozens of heart-stirring word play – the greetings and beautiful wishes!
14. The kisses.
15. The hugs.
16. Music, music, music.
17. The prayers.
18. My exceptional friends.
19. You.
20. The incredibles – my family.

I am blessed beyond proportion and there is truly so much to be thankful for… and these, especially these… I thank God for giving me Love, so I may live, and for Life, so I may love.

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