Happy Birthday New Year's Eve Poem by Jim Yerman

I have always felt a little lucky for all the blessings I’ve received
Not the least is having my birthday fall on New Year’s Eve.

When I was young I was astonished to think everyone on Earth
Would come together with friends and family just to celebrate of my birth.

Even perfect strangers would meet in places like Times Square
To watch a ball drop, kiss each other, then throw confetti in the air.

Of course I now know that kind of thinking was a bit deluded
Because all the partying and confetti comes once my birthday’s been concluded.

Yes, it seems all those people who gather, all those strangers, all my friends
Are not happy that my birthday’s here, their happy when it ends.

By then it was too late, however, for I knew by fate I had been kissed
And now I see the world through the eyes of an eternal optimist.

I guess that’s why when Deborah asks about a gift, when she finally inquires
My answer is the same each year...I have everything I desire.

I have a wife whom I love and who will love me till the end
I was lucky when I married Deborah to have married my best friend.

I have children who I’ve seen grow up and now that I’m old and grayed
They are happy and still love me in spite of mistakes I’ve made.

I have grandchildren who ever since they were tiny, little blokes
Have loved me and, more important, still laugh at all my jokes.

OK, it’s possible over the years their laughter has turned to moans
But a Pop Pop only hears the laughter where other’s hear the groans.

I have been very lucky, yes truly blessed indeed
For life has set before me everything I’ll ever need.

That’s why when Deborah asks, I’m not being nonchalant
What can I possibly need when I have everything I want?

A birthday is like a new beginning and time again to realize
That everything we will ever need is right before our eyes.

I think there are many people who already know this, at least that’s what I believe
Perhaps that’s why everyone celebrates my birthday, New Years Eve.