Author: Patty Richardson

My birthday wasn’t too much fun
I’m afraid it never is
Nothing like it used to be
When I was just a kid.

Too many expectations
Guess I’m wishing for too much
Everyone’s too busy
Everyone’s in such  a rush.

No time for party planning
No time for  a surprise
Everyone has things to do
We all have busy lives. 

I bought a cake and candles
At the local grocery store
I got a pint of ice cream 
Some cherries and much more.

Marshmallow and chocolate toppings
Peanuts and caramel
I plan to celebrate the day
If only by myself. 

Just one day out of the year
To celebrate your birth
Shouldn’t be a day from hell
Not a day that you feel hurt. 

So Happy, Happy Birthday 
Today I’m 63
I’m going to celebrate my day
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday,
Happy Birthday to me!

__________________________

Image: Google Images. Etsy.

Do I want to be with you
In this relationship?
Will I grow weary, bored, unsure
Will I get tired of this?

Can’t come and go, do what I  want
There’s always someone to consider
You’ll  have needs and interests, too
In time…. will I start feeling bitter?

It’s so nice to sit together
Watch a movie on TV
Cuddle up, under a blanket
Knowing you are here with me.

But, getting dressed on Friday nights
Out with my girlfriends to the club
Always has a certain draw
Do I want to give it up?

I like to dance all night and party
I love to listen to the band
Will I miss all the excitement?
Should I go out while I still can?

I’m excited about the wedding 
The planning’s almost done
But,  when the time finally comes
Will I panic, will I run?

Can’t have your cake and eat it, too
A life partner is forever
What if I change my mind?
Will we have to stay together?

I’m immature and doubtful
Not sure what I should do
I guess I’ll  have to do what’s right
After all…. I do love you. 

_________________________

Image: Google Images. JamieandJenn.com

On a boat to see a concert
A short ride across the river
Can’t believe it’s really happening 
Never heard of this, no never. 

As we approach the landing
I can hear the saxophone 
The drum in sync maintains the beat
The guitars screech and moan.

Spectators sit in lawn chairs
Their coolers by their side
So wonderful to listen to
Music playing into the night. 

Some dancing keeping rhythm
Don’t care who stops and stares
Encouraging others in the crowd
“Come join me, don’t be scared!”

Strangers become comrades
Sharing beer and cups of wine
Never knew so much excitement
So much fun, such a great time.

The band in from Toronto 
The singer belts the blues
Reminiscent of Janis Joplin
Aretha and Winehouse, too!

One last song left to perform
Time to go …. pack up our chairs
My ride docked and waiting
Heading back, we’ll soon be there. 

_________________________

Image: Google Images. Hudson Ferry Company

All that’s left
Just memories
Of times you spent
Alone with me.

Remembering
Those days together
Snapshots taken 
A few love letters. 

But faded after
All these years
Kept in a drawer
Just souvenirs.

Into the trash
Should let them go
You’re  just someone
I used to know.

Still feels  like
Only yesterday
When you walked out
You walked away. 

Broken hearted
Knowing you
You left me for 
Somebody new. 

Innocent
So much in love
Guess I learned
Love’s  not enough. 

Now just a few 
Old photographs
Faded and worn
Are all I have.

___________________

Image: Google Images. Pinkvilla.

No one wants to do the hard stuff
Stop drinking beer and wine
Give up smoking cigarettes 
Pay attention to the signs.

Eat the food that’s good for you
Stay away from fries and Coke
Eat you broccoli, spinach, too
Green beans and artichokes. 

Take a walk or ride your bike
Take a class or join a gym
Exercise three times a week
To lose weight and be thin. 

When the doctor tells you
Take your medicine, get some rest
Don’t suffer with the hurt & pain
Follow through to feel your best. 

Don’t ignore the stabbing pain
From your low back, down your leg
Could be a herniation
That won’t just go away. 

If you’re stressed, try meditation
Light some candles, get a massage
Listen to some soothing music
At your local wellness spa.  

________________________

Image: Google Images. Natural Serenity Wellness.

Can’t trust anybody
Don’t put down your sword and shield
Don’t share so much, keep quiet
Don’t explain the way you feel.

On a fishing expedition 
So many questions asked
Foolishly you say too much
About yourself, your past.

Don’t talk about another 
When pressed say you don’t know
Excuse yourself, then stand up
Tell them …. you have to go. 

“ Let’s meet  for lunch or coffee” means…
They need to know what’s going on
Once you give them information
Off they go, yes they are gone. 

Don’t offer to share secrets
Don’t you dare be so naive 
If you’re starting to feel creepy
Best to say GOOD BYE, then leave. 

___________________________

Image: Google Images. Tee Public.

Don’t talk about your heartache
I’m not here to sympathize
Don’t try to win me over
It won’t phase me, if you cry. 

I don’t need any convincing
I know why I’m here tonight
Don’t waste your time and effort
Hit the switch, turn off the light. 

I’m here for one thing only
Pure lust, my driving force
I’m not looking to move in with you
I live alone, of course.

If you’re looking to get married
Don’t waste your time with me
Gotta know where this is going
Don’t bark up the wrong oak tree. 

All that whining in the morning
Begging me to stay, “Don’t go”!
Won’t help the situation
Hate to see you sink so low. 

I’m straightforward, cold and callous
A true heartless narcissist 
All you can expect from me |
Is a parting goodbye kiss. 

Don’t start blowing up my cell phone
Hoping we might meet again 
I’m not going to be your lover
I’m not going to be your friend. 

_______________________

Image: Google Images. Rakuten Kobo

Give me a baker’s dozen
The biggest piece with extra cheese
I always want more than my share 
Make it special …. just for me. 

Like a bull, I’ll keep on coming
I’m hoping …. to get  some of yours
When I know that you’re not looking
I’ll take your diamonds, steal your pearls. 

I am cunning, I am slick 
You won’t know that I’m around
I will fly under the radar
You won’t hear me make a sound. 

I’m the one who sits and ponders
Is there money in her purse?
I won’t take your sister’s wallet
That would surly make things worse. 

Grab some cash, then call an Uber
Count my Pennie’s, one by one
Once I meet my daily quota 
I’ll call it quits, once I’m all done.

_______________________

Image: Google Images. Icon Scout.

Spaghetti O’s
And Campbell soup 
Mac and Cheese
With fish sticks, too!

Sleepovers 
On Friday nights
Pillow fights
Up half the night.

Milky ways
Three Musketeers
Popsicles
And, a cold Root beer. 

Happy to be
Out of school
Afternoons
Spent in the pool.

Trash pick up
Our favorite day
You’d be surprised
What’s thrown away.

A set of wheels 
From a baby’s buggy
A broomstick handle
Boy, we got lucky!

Boards found tossed
At the lumber yard
Used to construct 
Our first go cart. 

No computers
Or Video Games
Played with our cars
Played with our trains.

Girls played Jacks
And Hopscotch, too
Paper dolls 
Scrabble and Clue.

Happy to have 
Grown up then
Those were the days
Yes, way back when.

___________________________

Images: Google Images. Adobe Stock.

Standing on the platform
Anxiously, you wait
Soon you’ll board, you’re settle in
You’ll pass on thru the gate.

Most off to work in the city
Some with tickets to a play
Some will visit a museum
For some.… a special day.

The tracks run along the river
It’s a scenic, two hour route
Some will read current news
Hoping they can learn the truth.

Others opt to fall asleep
Embrace the rhythm of the ride
The train car sways, moves back and forth
While you sit comfortably inside.

Five days a week you travel
Into the city you will go
The money makes it worth it
Through the tunnel you will go. 

The conductor checks your ticket
You show it on your phone
You’ll be back again at sunset
That’s when you’ll be heading home.

___________________________

Image: Google Images. Mental Floss