Happy Birthday, Mum!

You are the hush before the kettle sings,

your gentle voice promotes towing the line,

you can guilt-trip from three counties away,

and still make everyone feel just fine.

You turn the ordinary into grace,

make chaos calm with just a look;

if time's a river, you're its calmest bend,

the recipe that needs no book.

In my head you were turning 70,

manifestation of high level stress,

turns out it's 71. Who's counting, Mum?

You don't look either, I must confess.

The doctors say they'd like a word this year,

you need an upgrade to the bionic hip,

but frankly, Mum, you've done this before,

just pack your slippers and a stiff upper lip.

So here's to slow and sun-soaked mornings,

wild little laughs are here to stay,

this year will bring positive changes,

let's start with the very best Birthday!