Two of my most cherished colleagues – Eileen and Yvonne – presented this poem to me (and in doing so, they gave me: Nothing – in both meanings of the word – just like I had asked everybody to)

The Birthday Present

Dear Roland, you must be aware
that in our eyes t’was only fair,
to try and give you something nice,
although you told us more than twice:

You know I wish for nothing more,
I am quite happy to the core.

We thought quite hard, through day and night,
until we had it: “Nothing” ‘s right!
A bottle full of “Nothing” was
the perfect present for the boss!

***

I quickly ran into the town
to buy some “Nothing” for our clown.
Yet it turned out, it is quite hard
with people acting truly smart.

They try to  sell what you desire,
but – “Nothing” is what you require!

The salesman finds you look quite normal,
but asking “Nothing” is not formal,
So in the eyes of all the folks
I must have seemed a crank that walks.

Yet I remained quite quick and sure
said: “Nothing”, plain and simply pure.
With empty bag I went my way
along the shelves to make my day,

until the owner gave advice:
The shelf with “Nothing” has a price,
but on the bottom, hidden low,
there might be “Nothing” – so I know.

I took both “Nothing” and to my heels
you can’t imagine how it feels,
to have found “Nothing” after all!
I paid for “Nothing” at the Mall.
So now you see what I went through,
since “Nothing” was just right for you!

***

Now is the time to end this talk,
with “Nothing” from our hands you walk,
so “Nothing” is what we all see
and “Nothing” will be all your glee.

Yet „Nothing“, when you are quite hot
will show that „Nothing“ has a lot
to answer for if you are driving.
So, if on “Nothing“ you are thriving,
you should drive neither bike nor car,
for “Nothing“ will not get you far.
Well, here is our bottle for you.

Dear Roland, we wish you a Happy Birthday and Many Returns.

Cheers!

Of course, I was thrilled. Many, many thanks to Eileen and Yvonne!

RMD

P.S.
The bottle was filled with delicious wheat beer – and had a special label …

Save the date – Make a note!
June, 24th, 2012   

(how about you register right now!)

June, 24th is Barbara’s birthday. We want to celebrate it. She celebrates because she is still so young, not even 60 yet. We both celebrate because we feel healthy and well. And because we are content with our lot.

We would like to have many of our friends with us. All those who like us and are close to us. We have not yet decided on the exact itinerary for the party. The program is still in its planning phase. But we already know that we will start in the afternoon, at four o’clock.

The end will be around midnight. We want it to be as uncomplicated as possible. With good food and beverages. And with a lot of very special music.

We can easily do without presents or other kinds of gifts. We have all we need. Besides, we will soon move. That will be bad enough without some additional stuff to carry. Owning too much is a true burden, as I am sure will be brought home to us when we move from our huge house to a smaller house.

Consequently, I would ask you to bring nothing. Just bring your good mood. And if you really have to bring something, then only bring something to eat or drink. Such as wine or chocolate. But, please, buy moderately!

Above all, we wish for nice weather. If that is what you bring, you will be more than welcome. Because it would mean we can make good use of our huge garden.

I like many people. Consequently, I will invite many people. Most of the invitations will be sent by email. I will be very diligent about it. Since, however, I am not quite as well organized as I would like to be, I am sure to forget some of you.

There is no doubt that some of the people I am going to forget are quite dear to us. Which makes me truly sad. I would ask those I “forgot” to forgive me. Please do not hold it against me. Instead, why don’t you just invite yourself! Just take all the steps as described underneath.

Here we go: If you feel dear to me and wish to come, please send an email (E-Mail) and put your name here (http://www.doodle.com/qq6w5bb2s4r7qmnt). I would recommend you write both your first and second name, because I know many people with identical first names. And please do not forget to click on the checkmark – this will make the list nice and green.

I will send invitations starting next Saturday, June, 2nd. But do not hesitate to register right now!

Because we need to plan how many barrels of beer and wine and other beverages we need. And we also have to see that there is enough food.

Now I hope for a warm summer night suitable for a lavish celebration with music, food and drink. And I look forward to seeing you all. If you all come, there is no doubt it will be a nice party!

RMD

(Translated by EG)