To Christine, with whom I seem to share the same birthday month.

This year I did not celebrate

My birthday as before,

Instead I hit the Nurofem

Because my throat was sore.

I went to bed and slept awhile,

Although the sun was high,

(no urgent duties call me now)

I let the day slip by.

I thought ‘I shall not age today,

I’ll wait a little longer

I’ll choose to add that extra year

When I am feeling stronger!’