THE NIGHT I WAS BORN

It was a stormy, wild night on the Baltic coast where i was born. The lights had gone out and even the fireplace was drowned out the wind coming down the flu. Finally, after long hours of difficult labour, in the darkness only lit be a couple of candles, i came into the dark, cold world. I let out a wild scream, the candles went out and so did the fireplace at the same time. The midwife did the usual things. She then lit the canldes...a shriek filled the room. What is wrong asked my now very worried Mother. The midwife light the candles and let my Mother see me. A horrified shrill scream filled the almost dark room. What they saw was a large baby covered in fine black hair all over her body. My eyes were black and darting from one woman to the next and then also let out a piercing yell. My Mother told the midwife to see if anything else was odd about me. They turned me over and yet another wail...i had a large blue-black spot on my lower back. The midewife and heard of these Mongolian spots in Asian babies, but had never seen one a Nordic one. When my Grandmother and Aunts came to see me, they told everyone the spot was due to my Father coming from Hungary. He is probably related to Atilla the Hun, my Grandmother said. "That is what you get when you married a man who cares more for his riding boots than you, and comes from a strange country. She turned her back and left the room.

Well, what a start!

This story is repeated on every birthday that i can remember. As i became older, my Mlother woudl admit that i was not too bad to look. Thanks, Mutti!!!

THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT

It was a wet, dreary, windy night in Vancouver. Even my Burberry was not doing it's job. That is, to keep me warm and dry. I walked into the Gerad for a night cap. There was only one person sitting at my favourite sofas, the ones in front of the fire. As i started to ask him if it was alright if i sat on the sofa opposite his, he looked up at me and that womderfull, illogical thing happened to me. The French call it a lightning strike., a clap of thunder..well i looked into the most wondrful azure blue eyes and beautiful masculine face. He seemed to dumb struck also. We both mumbled someting or other, as i sat down. We were alone in the bar. He noticed how wet i was and especially my wet shoes. He bent down to help me take them off. It seemed like a natural thing for him to do. I asked him if he was a Viking Prince? He asked me if i was "Wonder Woman". We both laughed and agreed. Well, our friendship and love grew. It was too good to last! The Gods give and then they take away. All i now have are my gold and blue memories. I am drinking the same brand of Bubbly as we had that first time we met. I pray that we will meet agian in that wonderful place that God has promised to us all.

A am drinking a wonderful bottle of Veue Clicquot.

As i drink it tonight, i recall our short time together and write a few haiku and tanka.

To the memory of Peter. Born July 13, 1961, died December 31, 1994.

Under the Hau tree

the sea behind you

your match

November snow

Christmas tree lights

reflected in your eyes

On the ferry

snow-capped mountains

you shiver in the cold

In Waikiki

you sit on the balcony

eyes dance and shine

On th Hawaiina beach

behind you the blue-green sea

the sun brightens the gold

in your hair

blue lights in eyes

In my memory

you are smiling still

with your Irish eyes

I drink from

Waterford crystal

your wedding gift

so many years ago

still sparkles bright

by firelight

Dancing alone

the Veuve Clicquot

in the dark

Grey sea and sky

she dreams of

blue irises

In the deep night

blue irises turn

deep violet

I could feel glowing intense blue eyes in the morning darkness.

Licks and poking me awake again. Mischi my cat was doing her morning duty.
Now that Autumn is here, itis still dark at 6:00 a.m. I do not like wakingup in the dark. But seasons change and so must I.

After my breakfast and 3 cups of strong Kona i feel ready to start my day.

First i check MSN and Yahoo to see if anyone is there and if there are any messages left for me onernight.

I read a coupleof messages from my European friends. Then i take care of the e-mails.

I write my first haiku of the day

Dark Autumn morning
glow of blue eyes in the dark
my heart turns over