Randy 40th Birthday
Poem/Ode/Tribute(?) Page
In celebration of 4 decades of Rand-mania, Bethany planned a Surprise Poetry Reading and Ice Cream Social at her parent's home inviting friends and family. In lieu of gifts, guests we're asked to write a poem to mark the occasion. They ran the gamut from odes to roast-ish limericks, many of which were provided by people who couldn't attend. Some of the ones received digitally follow:
Mr. Curtis is NOT 40 years old, today, July 23, 2003. This is NOT black Wednesday for Randy. He is still climbing and has not yet crested the hill. He is, in fact, a strapping young buck, approximately twenty-five to twenty-eight years of age. Randy is in full control of his youth, at this time. There is no need for concern as rumors that Randy has become a responsible, middle-aged adult and a good paternal role model to his young daughter are absolutely not true.
Father, husband, brother, son.
That Randal Curtis is a special one.
Not the kind of "special" that rides the short bus,
But a thoughtful one that helps without making a fuss.
Today marks his forty years as the dutiful child.
I imagine a few of those years were somewhat wild.
In his many years as an "adult" he's matured, some might say.
And Nancy certainly should be proud in many a way.
Just a year behind big sister is the younger brother.
It's obvious he and Rhonda are lucky to have one another.
He added four more Sage siblings in 2001.
Him or us, I'm really not so sure who's the luckier one.
My sister went off and married this guy Randy.
We've seen that with the tools he can be quite handy.
He has shared with her some of the world's finer things.
Like going to MacClean's where he drinks and sings.
Now he's somehow morphed into a dad.
A role, he's realized, that isn't so bad.
Bethany and Jane are sure to keep him young at heart,
Okay, maybe not Bethany, but Jane's a good start.
Randy, there's so much to you. I simply can't put it all in this poem.
Not that it's lewd or anything - just that eventually these fine people need to go home.
But before I end, I want to say one thing about the "un-birthday" thing:
Whenever you want to stop by with my present, just give me a ring.
Let's see. If spoken aloud this would probably be good:
Randy Curtis, it cannot be said
Will argue without losing his head.
It never even ends
With his long suf'ring friends.
Who watch his open mouth with dread.
Though this might be visually more pleasing:
Oh, Randy Curtis,
They are glaring at us now.
Why did you say that?
A message for Randy, our far away friend
We cannot be with you, so best wishes we send.
This milestone birthday shouldn't make you feel old
Just change your perspective - that's what I am told.
You're 40 today by our 10-fingered fate
But in base 16, you're just 28!
A Little Ditty for Randy on his 40th Birthday!
There once was a man from the "Grove"
Who with Bethany into marriage he dove,
With sweet, pretty Jane
He strives to stay sane
With cow spots on refrigerator and stove!
Dear Randy,
When it comes to poetry I'm not too handy,
But I'm not going to be as quiet as a mouse,
Just because you're not in your house,
By now I'd surmise,
You got a wonderful surprise,
I'm sorry I can't be here
To not drink your beer
But before I go away
I wanted to say
I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
"Everyone Knows Its Randy". (sung to the tune of [Everyone Knows It's] Windy)
Who's brewing beer up, down in his basement?
Devil Dog Ale is great party fare
Who's got a raccoon head in his crawfish?
Everyone knows its Randy
'Cause Randy loves Mardis Gras
The Oscars and Strassenfest
He Celebrates Unbirthdays
In Tuxedo Park
(in Tuxedo Park)
In Tuxedo Park
(in Tuxedo Park)
Who's cooking Sunday dinner for his friends?
Stirring up soup or salty Pad Thai
Who's dishing out a mountain of ice cream?
Everyone knows its Randy
We talk about politics,
About movies and camping trips
He says that he won't eat meat
Just veggies for me
(just veggies for me)
Well - a little roast beef
(a little roast beef)
Who's got a great new family who loves him?
A beautiful wife and Jane Amelie
Who deals with bottles, diapers and spit-up?
Everyone knows he's "Daddy"
Cause family life suits him well
And Bethany helps him spell
Redoing a house is hell
But the future is bright
(the future is bright)
But the future is bright
(the future is bright)
Who'll have a happy 40th birthday?
Everyone knows its Randy!
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Randy is lucky
to have someone like YOU