cheers!

cheers! and here’s to friends
on whom each passing year
we increasingly depend
–cold days draw near

and gently who with sledge or blade
can clear away the solid ice
from a chilly core where love did play
amongst the naughty spy some nice

with age the lines are blurred between
familial blood and friendship’s love
ere the end that comes oft unseen
be true and strong until it’s done

happy birthday! happy christmas!
light the candles and serve the dishes
banish worry and welcome bliss
take heart from flame and make a wish

hang your joys and vivid fears
string them high upon the tree
bring them out each passing year
and light them up for all to see

let’s hang them out like dirty laundry
judge not our lives by hollow musings
both our sunday best and knickers tawdry
as we own and live them, our utmost truths

~e