Raise a glass.

Born on St Patrick's Day
raised in Manhattan's Lower East Side
The first for Eileen & Joseph
World's Fair baby in a rising Wall tide.

Imagine the city sidewalks
he called his own, even at night
Whispers of menace and temptation
shunned for the dullness of what's 'right'.

Suddenly a move to New Jersey
a wild, woodsy shock for a Manhattan lad
No regrets, no hesitation
a sacrifice made for an ailing dad.

Then job, wife, kids, commitment
What was by chance, what was planned?
The oldest of two I'd never know
but was always offered a guiding hand.

Years pass but dad's the same
a calming voice or supporter at a game
He meets Louise and changes come
too long alone, he gains a helluva dame.

Now dad's retired, a rich reward
for sacrifices made for others along the way
I lift a glass in Melbourne, Australia
and toast to him a Glorious 70th Birthday.

Written at Bridie O'Reilly's in Melbourne's CBD this morning over 2 pints of Kilkenny's, both of which were raised to my dad before being quaffed.