GIBSON, Karen

When I came to Guernsey

I met a feisty blond.

Working shifts at "Whistlers"

To help support her sons.

That first night, at end of play,

And diners- way too many.

She held my gaze, and asked me straight-

"Is your bag an 'Enny'? "

That was thirty years ago

And I have this guarantee-

No matter what the Fates will bring

She remains more old than me.

So forget about the signs of age!

Of this there is no doubt-

You'll always be my older friend-

Happy Birthday, my Old Trout

First published in the Guernsey Press on 10/01/2020.