Please have another birth-
day, Frances, may the canvas you
are ready to paint or view portray
the cheer you cherish - at least
occasionally; have an agreeable
time, find comfort from the hugs

of hospitality your mind gives
to friend and foe, those who gather
at your round table of hello and
poetry, some of whom have drawn
the no-one is fit forever sensibility,
who have, as you already know,

dipped their brush in paint to say,
the colours you and I select
from our palettes, could propel
the vessel of vision past success
or regret, sailing for the fertile waters
of how are you and we've met.