Wendy and I had been away for 48 hours in Germany, on a working trip for me; everything had gone well, and we were on our way home. Sitting in Frankfurt airport, waiting for our flight to be called, we started talking about Mum's/Grandma's 96th birthday, that was coming up in a few weeks' time. I had already started to write a little poem for her, but it needed polishing and more appropriate words inserted in a couple of lines, that would suit and please Mum best.
I got out the rather crumpled piece paper with the verses I'd been working on (when inspiration strikes, I will write on anything - tissue box lids, serviettes, even - on one occasion - a paying-in slip, whilst I waited in a queue at the Bank!) and read it to Wendy. It's good to read poetry aloud; it helps you to feel the rhythm and make sure it scans and makes sense. We were working very quietly, but soon realised some people were listening and taking in every word. We explained what we were doing, and it became like a poetry workshop, in the most unexpected place.
By the time we had to stop and board the plane, we had just about got the poem to flow as we wanted, and when we got home, it was incorporated into a special card we made for Mum. Sitting in the Palm Court, enjoying Tea at the Ritz on her special day, this is the poem we read out to her:
Tea at the Ritz at Ninety-six
It's Tea at the Ritz when you're ninety-six
A special family outing;
It's been booked and planned with attention and care
And for weeks the days we've been counting.
The waiters are charming, and make such a fuss
You'd think the Palm Court was made just for us -
There's champagne and tea with cream scones and cakes,
All delivered with flair on fine china plates.
As the pianist plays "Happy Birthday to You,"
A cake with a candle aflame
Is presented with love and our wishes to you
"Many Happy Returns! Again and again!"
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| Mum and Granddaughter Wendy Celebrating Mum's 96th Birthday with Tea at the Ritz |
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