A Joyous Celebration

[thestoryteller]

A JOYOUS CELEBRATION

We were sitting ‘round relaxing, nothing strenuous or taxing,
just content to loll about the place, avoiding stress and strife.
‘Twas a funny situation … we were bound in conversation,
‘bout events we tend to celebrate throughout the course of life.
Some bloke said he favoured birthdays, while another voice said, “Paydays!”
and of course the exclamation emanated from his wife.

Then another lass said Easter was the time of year that pleased her;
while another praised Australia Day and waved a little flag.
From a pimple faced teenager, who was known to be a rager,
came the cry of “Summer holidays! My teacher’s such a dag.”
Said a bearded long haired hippy, whose life’s trade was as a chippy,
“Any public holiday was cool,” and rolled a funny fag.

In a corner sat dear Annie, who was now a great, great granny;
and tomorrow … seemed real good to her, a bonus so to speak.
One young lover was elated and she showed it when she stated,
how red roses from her Valentine would make her knees go weak.
For one family who was Cath’lic, Christmas time was rather hectic,
but reminded them that peace on earth was something men should seek.

Though the day dad’s heart pounds madly, and he talks about it proudly,
is the day he wed my mother back in nineteen fifty-three.
And my mum’s always delighted, but this year she’s real excited;
it’s their golden anniversary, their 50th Jubilee.
And their children speak in unison and proudly say … Well done!
For your joy is our joy also, as we’re proud we’re family.


This poem was written for my folks on their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2003.

From the book Keeping the Culture