He came in just at 5:15 The same as any other day, But after that he didn't do A single thing his usual way. He never even gave the news A hurried glance. His eye on me He hid a package in the desk And I pretended not to see. He straightened up a book or two And placed the reading lamp "just so" (I'd cleaned and dusted thoroughly, But then, of course, he wouldn't know.) There came a knock, yes, just at eight, Then "Happy Birthday" and "Surprise." My hand flew upward to my throat I glanced at him and he looked wise. I laughed and stammered, blinked my eyes To hide a @3faithful@1 mist of tears. (Why shouldn't I appear surprised? I've practiced at it twenty years!) | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CITY VIGNETTE: RAIN AT NIGHT by SARA TEASDALE GOOD COMPANY by KARLE WILSON BAKER A SERMON AT CLEVEDON; GOOD FRIDAY by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN A WINTER TWILIGHT by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 47. AL-HAKIM by EDWIN ARNOLD SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 50. MY LOVE by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) THE GEATE A-VALLEN TO by WILLIAM BARNES |