She walks in beauty...

...like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that 's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

Not that innocent, thankyewverramuch. She's my honey, and she's a gorgeous forty today. If mine were the world enough, and time, I'd shower her with rubies and pearls, all the perfumes of Araby and show her in truth how precious she is to me and to our son - since, as J.O'Barr says, "Mother" is the word for God on the lips of children. But since I don't and I can't, I hope the footrubs and dinner and coupon for a Goodwill shopping spree will make do.

I love you, Mojo - happy birthday. You are more beautiful than ever...