Not quite a century, but a lifetime of memories. Just turned 90, but living like he’s 60. A daughter, a son, four grandchildren, and two great-grand heirs, all responsible for every one of his gray hairs. What makes a birthday memorable when you’ve celebrated eighty-nine? Thanking God for the blessing of time. Time to spend with cherished loved ones and friends, never worrying about when it will end. Because a life like this is one that will last, in our hearts, in our minds, in reminiscing the past. So many happy returns, CM dear, cheers to another fulfilling year. Make a wish, blow out the candles. Hey, pop the cork— you’re old enough— and enjoy this birthday celebration from all of us.
© 2019-2023 Nortina Simmons
Originally written for my Granddaddy’s 90th birthday. He’ll be 94 next month. Do you think if I change a couple words (“a great-grand heir” became “two great-grand heirs” in 2021) and send it to him again, he’ll remember?
Welcome to Day 25 of Black Poetry Writing Month (aka BlaPoWriMo)! BlaPoWriMo is a month-long challenge to write a poem every day during the month of February (Black History Month) related to Black history, Black people, or the Black experience.
Today’s optional prompt is: Write a poem celebrating someone in your life or someone in Black history.
Nortina's Writing Inspiration Well 