My Eightieth Birthday, Today! Poem by Dr John Celes

Eighty years have gone away,
In a somewhat pleasant way;
God is Master, then, today,
And will be mine, come what may!

As a teacher, life was good;
Life was great in womanhood!
Life was best when in childhood;
Happy I'm, upright I stood!

Duty was my prime dear thing;
God was first in everything;
Joys and woes both, life did bring;
Yet, a happy song, I sing!

Earning wealth was not my aim;
Sharing knowledge brought me fame;
Being wife was just one game;
Dust was whence I truly came!

Kith and kin do always kiss;
Still some things did go amiss;
Husband is one soul, I miss;
Life was mostly joys and bliss!

I had not done something great;
I did just all do, till date;
I didn't trust in luck or fate;
I want heaven's narrow gate!

‘All seems well, ' I'm eighty aged;
Heart feels sometimes, old and caged;
Many battles I had waged;
Life didn't happen as I gauged!

God was friend to me these years;
I have hope in Him, not fears;
Though my earthly life now nears,
I must pray, until He hears!

Fondly dedicated to dear
Mrs.P. Irudaya Mary MA., B.Ed, Teacher
Holy Family Church, Perundurai
By Dr. Celestine, wife Mrs. Mercy,
daughters Catherine & Christina
Copyright by Dr John Celes 12-08-12