Leslie's birthday bash

Ode on Turning 60
By Leslie Simpson

In haste I packed to take a trip,
Though where I'd go, I knew but zip.
For Dale made plans for my big day,
A sneaky, secret getaway.

He said he'd like to eat ice cream.
"There's Andy's"--no, not in his scheme.
Up hill, down dale, to find the place,
Determination on his face.

On a hill was Shirley's sign,
"Burgers, ice cream"--eats bovine.
The joint was closed. Oh, me, oh, my.
My darling husband told a lie.

He said he had to call a man
To get the key--that was his plan.
A junk store stood across the way.
I passed some time, that day in May.

Rabbit dishes, Tonka trucks,
Neck massager, just 10 bucks.
Then I glanced up and saw a gal
Who looked like Hannah--wrong locale.

But wait, that guy looks just like Steve.
This can't be real--my eyes deceive!
I felt like I might lose control,
When out come Kelly, Mike, Dom, Noel.

They whisked me to a lake-view house,
Deceitful daughters, lying spouse.
They brought me gifts; they took me out
To Devil's Pool, where I ate trout.

With Dale's slide show to eulogize,
My whole life flashed before my eyes.
They made me proud of who I am,
A member of this awesome fam.