Me: I’m glad the sun is shining for Chris’s birthday.
Nell: Yes.
Me: I can’t believe he’s 36.
Nell: Did you see the photos of Marvin?
Me: Yes. They’re lovely.
Nell: He’s written a poem for Chris. Would you like to hear it?
Me: I would. Very much.
Nell: I’ll read it.
‘My name is Marvin
And I have something to say.
I want to wish my dad Chris
A very Happy Birthday.
Most mornings we walk
To get coffee together
And I wear my coat
Because of the cold weather.
I don’t like it at all
But Dad says I must.
And I’m only small
So in Dad I’ll trust.
I’ll be a good boy
And make him and Mom proud
By being sweet natured
And not often loud.
Except for raccoons,
When I see one of those
I have to start barking
And bounce up on my toes
To look out of the window
And bark them away.
Cos they’re not invited
To my dad’s birthday.
I may not be bold,
Or brave, or that wise
But I know I am loved
And that in my dad’s eyes
I’m the best boy that ever
And ever could be.
So thank you, dear Dad,
For rescuing me.’
Me: What a lovely poem.
Nell: Yes, Marvin is doing really well at Creative Writing.
Me: Are you teaching him?
Nell: I always encourage the young animals in my mentoring group to express themselves creatively. Did you enjoy yesterday’s cocktails?
Me: It was great fun.
Nell: Rumour has it that a lion with a matted mane was seen lurking around the kitchen bins.
Me: Do you think it was Lionel?
Nell: I think the likelihood of there being two lions on a small island in South Devon is remote.
Me: True. Sorry.
