Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!

She may be 75,

this mother of ours,

Don't her eyes still twinkle,

just like the stars?

She might be your "Aunt Karen,"

your sister, your friend.

We all know when we seek her,

she will have love to lend.

On this incredible journey

of our Karen Sue,

it's safe to say

she's milked a cow or two.

Farrowed a house

with pens of seven or eight,

before running inside

and filling five plates.

Life changed her vocation,

but never her heart.

With a home and gardens

reflecting her internal art.

A poet, a wordsmith,

an artist with food.

A painter, land sculptor,

a lifter of moods.

Raised in the glow

of her twinkle,

What a beautiful place!

Still there when we need it

as we run our own race.

Thanks Mom, from your kids,

and Grouchy Gare too,

For all the thankless jobs

we all watched you do.

Thanks mostly for the love,

with a perpetual spout,

and for being our first glimpse of light,

that has never burned out!