To the patient tutor
The book club reader
With often understated
Genius
To the top-spin returner
The Democratic donor
You subtly surprise with
Sly humor
To the never-phased
The independent-wayed
You’re admired for being
Unflappable
We celebrate your determination
Unstoppable reputation
In combination
With
That matriarchal reason
Nothing defies
This
Tenacious woman
Happy Birthday
From the girl who hopes to be
Eating dessert at lunchtime
And splitting a single glass of white wine
With her aunt (very soon)
Diane Sheng 