Me: I can’t believe Jonathan Sky is ten today.
Nell: Truth be told, neither can I.
Me: Surely, it was only yesterday that I held him in my arms as a tiny baby?
Nell: And now he holds you in his arms.
Me: Yes, he does.
Nell: I’ve written him a poem.
Me: Wonderful.
Nell: Would you like to hear it?
Me: Very much.
Nell: Then I’ll begin.
‘It’s time to start cheering
And shouting ‘Hooray!’
Because Jonathan Sky
Is ten today.’
‘He can’t be ten.
This must be a joke.
Wasn’t he seven
The last time we spoke?’
‘Now you’re confusing
Jonathan with Faye.
She turned seven
At the end of May.’
‘So she did.
Silly old me.
Time really does fly
When you’re drinking tea.’
‘There can’t be tea
Without birthday cake,
And crisps,
And ice-cream,
And lots of steak.’
‘And you can’t have steak
Without chips, of course,
And lots and lots
Of tomato sauce’.
‘Next year we’ll be joined
By Baby Bear
So we mustn’t forget
An extra chair.’
‘In the meantime let’s party
And spread the joy.
Happy Birthday dear Johnny,
You wonderful boy.’
Me: He’s going to love that, Nell. Thank you.
Nell: My pleasure. Will you be eating cake?
Me: I’m not sure.
Nell: Poppy’s made a Victoria sponge with strawberries and cream.
Me: How delicious.
Nell: Patrick the Irish Wolfhound will be joining us for tea so I’ll make sure to have a slice before he eats it all.
Me: He sounds like Dave.
Nell: Now, I know you miss the family, particularly on birthdays.
Me: I do.
Nell: So, let’s raise a cup of Earl Grey and a bacon sandwich in celebration of our dear Jonathan Sky.
Me: A bacon sandwich?
Nell: It’s Saturday and Jonathan is ten.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
