Nell: It’s your sister Charlotte’s birthday today.
Me: Yes.
Nell: The first one without Alex.
Me: It was always the three of us.
Nell: Yes.
Me: Now we’re two.
Nell: You’re still three. Alex is with you in spirit.
Me: Well, we’re going to celebrate Charlotte’s birthday because that’s what Alex would have wanted.
Nell: Good. Naughty Nigel has written a poem for her.
Me: I’d love to hear it.
Nell: Are you sure? It’s complete and utter nonsense.
Me: Can’t wait.
Nell: ‘Noses are red
And sometimes they’re blue.
It’s the weather that decides
Their colour and hue.’
Me: What’s that got to do with Charlotte’s birthday?
Nell: I warned you. May I continue?
Me: Yes.
Nell: ‘Why talk about noses?’
You ask in dismay.
‘They have nothing to do
With Charlotte’s birthday.’
‘I agree,’ I replied.
‘It is my mistake.
Would you care for a sandwich,
Or a large slice of cake?’
‘I don’t mind if I do.
Just stop talking about noses.
And violets are blue
And the red things are roses.‘
‘Of course, silly me.
I’m such a buffoon.
Can I ask is today
The 17th June?‘
‘You know that it is.
I’ve told you before.’
‘So we’ve got the right day.
Now give me your paw.
Let’s put on our leggings
And roll out the mats.’
‘Only if you include Boo
And the cats.’
‘Cats don’t do yoga
And Boo isn’t sure.
But if you insist
They can stretch on the floor.’
‘Are you certain that yoga
Is what Charlotte would want?
I was thinking more of a coffee
And a tasty croissant.’
‘Coffee it is.
I should’ve listened to you.
Happy Birthday dear Charlotte
From Nigel and Boo.‘
Me: Perfect. Charlotte loves nonsense poems and Alex would have laughed.
Nell: Exactly.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
