Me: I love these photos of Tony with you all. They brighten up a grey and rainy day.
Nell: It’s his birthday today.
Me: Yes, it is. I wish he had better weather.
Nell: Never mind. I’m sure Sue and Ollie are spoiling him.
Me: Yes, and the rest of the family will definitely be in touch even if they can’t get together this year.
Nell: Yes, this is a difficult time for families.
Me: It is.
Nell: Anyway, David has written a poem for him.
Me: Has he? My darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. Such a talented animal.
Nell: Would you like me to read it to you?
Me: Yes, I would. Very much.
Nell: ‘My name is Dave and I’d like to say
Tony the Postman has a birthday today.
Tony is wise,
Tony is clever,
Tony is smiley,
Whatever the weather.
When Tony got Covid
I worried so much.
I couldn’t eat breakfast,
I couldn’t eat lunch.
I stood by the gate
In the wind and the rain.
Just waiting and waiting
To see Tony again.’
Me: No, he didn’t. Dave never skips breakfast.
Nell: It’s poetic licence. Stop spoiling it. We were all worried about Tony. You know that.
Me: Yes, we really were.
Nell: May I continue?
Me: Yes, please do.
Nell: ‘Then one happy day
I heard a shout.
‘Hello, you great lump’
And the sun came out.
Because there at the gate,
And well on the mend,
Was my best buddy Tony,
My wonderful friend.
So, if you see Tony,
Please give him a wave
And shout ‘Happy Birthday
From your best buddy Dave.’
Me: Tony will love it.
Nell: Yes.
Me: We should really have cake. To celebrate.
Nell: Cake? You mean bacon sandwiches. Tony is David’s best friend.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
