A poem from a friend (and traveling companion) today, my 82nd birthday

This poem (with the photo that apparently inspired it, taken last year at an outdoor restaurant in Sirince, Turkey) popped into my inbox yesterday. I secured my pal's OK to share it with you. See the expression on my face in the picture? That's how I look NOW, thanks to this charming BD present from a dear friend.


TO JOHN

I happened on this snapshot of
Your grinning face today,
And thought I'd zap it right along:
A fitting way to say
"I wish you happy birthday" now
That you've turned eighty two,
And marvel at your energy;
(How 'bout a little clue?)

Look back twelve months, you smile here just
A lad of eighty one,
Relaxing in Sirince town,
The morning's touring done....
You'd climbed the stairs and hiked the hills
At Ephesus, and then
Marched up Priene's steeper slopes
And trooped back down again.

All over Turkey's rugged peaks
You trekked without a care;
You stepped inside a hot-air balloon
For vistas from the air
Of Cappadocia's fabled lands
And "fairy chimneys" tall;
You strolled the streets of Istanbul
And heard the muezzin's call.

Yes, it's a treat to celebrate
John Schappi's special day;
But really, what's remarkable
Is how you've shown the way
To live a life that's purposeful
With humor, charm, and grace;
Your playbook is a gift to us
Who run the human race.

But let me not wax maudlin here
Beneath the late May sun;
The bottom line is crystal clear:
With you, it's always fun.
And so I hoist my glass up high
With love and thanks galore:
Dear John, a happy birthday to you
Now, and many more!