Funny, Forgetful Birthday Poem

by Deej
(Texas, USA)

An elderly aunt of mine had started to become forgetful. Her short term memory was quickly leaving her. We all saw it coming. Sometimes such a stage of life can bring sadness, but on this her 79th birthday, we loved her and just focused on what she could still do.

The surprise party was all planned: it was scheduled to be at her house in Philadelphia. We were bringing the cake, the balloons, and enough food to feed 50 people.

The guest list was checked and rechecked. People were coming in from all across the country: California, Kansas, and even Texas.

My brother was to keep her occupied for the day and bring her home at 5:00 PM. All was going as planned.

I called him. The nursing assistant had gotten her dressed. She and my brother had a small but delicious lunch at A & M Diner. She had asked to go shopping (she still loved buying new clothes).

The day passed. He drove her to a park and she had a chance to rest. I called him at 4:45 PM to see if they were on the way home. Sure enough, they were.

We could hear them coming up the steps. People hid all over the room, ready to jump out and yell. They came in, and we yelled, “Surprise!” She got this strange look on her face. And then she said, "Oh, but you all missed it. My birthday was this morning!"

Funny, Forgetful Birthday Poem

Oh birthdays, oh birthdays
how I love you just fine.
Each year the same date,
when I get older with time.

Oh birthdays, oh birthdays
Presents, I grin at the thought.
But who left all of them here?
Were they things that I bought?

Oh birthdays, oh birthdays
Visit me right away.
You'll stay planted by my side,
if just for half the day.