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