ON WINGS OF SONG
A fluttering of heavy eyelids,
As early ping of WhatsApp
Presaged a day of unexpected joy.
"Having drinks for my birthday.
Any time from 4pm onwards.
Would you like to come?"
A speedy affirmative reply
Set the routine for the day.
No hazardous, time-consuming journey involved -
Just next-door-but-one.
A ring on the bell announced my arrival.
The sunny, bedecked garden -
Already the happy venue for earlier arrivals -
Warmly enclosed the Chosen
Who had come to yet another celebration
Of a very propitious occasion!
There is nothing like a large, cold glass
Generously filled with clinking ice cubes,
Chilled tonic, lemon or lime wedges
And of course, a generous measure of gin
(Unless you are a beer or prosecco aficionado)
To float you away from Life's realities.
For the next X hours,
We drank, ate delicious, summer food,
Talked of this and that and even reminisced.
Smiles transfixed faces,
Laughter chortled from lubricated lips.
The sun shone in glory until,
Lest we became too indolent,
Nature reminded us that twilight was afoot.
Blankets, wraps, jumpers, jackets,
Almost magically materialised, as dusk gently fell.
Merriment, even laissez-faire,
Spread a mantle over even the most retiring.
Strains and sounds of popular vocals
Filled the suburban surroundings.
Celebrities were simulated in voice and action.
Applause and laughter rewarded the brave.
A glance at watch belied the time.
My heart sang - even if really my voice didn't!
Lights swayed gently; the garden twittered
As happy relatives and friends celebrated the joyous occasion.
How touching it was to realise
That just for fleeting hours,
You have been invited, unequivocally, into a private world
Not long ravaged by torment of the unknown,
Fear, pain, and relentless waiting.
No element of surprise:
This stalwart family has emerged even more united,
Loving, generous and ready to share Life's simple pleasures
Which will light the path ahead.
Now, all that awaits is the delight
Of living again, the memories of a perfect day,
Wrapped in the enfolding arms of Slumber.
Eileen Murray © 5 June 2023
