God you made me nervous

When you turned up 

At my surprise party

 

You smiled around the room

Kissed a cheek or two and mine

Sipped a glass of red and sang.

 

Your plaintive song

Breathing through the room

Stirred my reservoir of tears.

 

I wiped my eye 

I had admired you so long 

I never knew you had such a voice.

 

When your melody dropped away 

I wanted to lead the chorus of praise

Another got ahead of me.

 

Maybe I’ll send a bouquet

I know you like fuchsias and

Interflora has a special offer.

 

Your face will light up when they arrive,

But then a shadow will flit when you see 

That they only came from me.

 

Even though airing

My schoolboy crush

May bring about its sudden end.

 

I am writing this 

To say I think you’re lovely and

I want to know you more

 

So will you come for dinner?

I have your favourite sounds,

White wine and red and open arms.

 

And if you ignore this card

At least you’ll know

That I only meant it for the best.

 

And those cool lips on my cheek 

At my birthday party

Still mean so much to me.