Richibi’s Weblog

“Happy Birthday“ (1971)

Fernando Botero

_________

a friend of mine was eighty today,
she’s gone off to London to celebrate,
she didn’t want anyone to make a fuss

a fuss, I said, it’s your eightieth birthday,
one should make a fuss, she’s gone to
London anyway

from this side of the ocean, and indeed
from this side of the continent, it seemed
nevertheless remiss of me not say
something

but as in Hallmark cards, sometimes
the message is better in someone
else’s words, in this case Bob Dylan’s
but sung by Joan Baez, just click

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the light surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young

Bob Dylan

happy birthday, dear friend, may you
live forever