Tom Dylan

The Surprise Gifts

On my birthday this year

my family call over,

each one bearing gifts

and gushing with birthday wishes.

 

I am handed the gifts in turn,

all beautifully wrapped, 

tagged and bowed.

I accept the offered presents 

with a you really shouldn\'t have look.

 

My uncle buys me a bottle

of fancy American liquor,

I nod and thank him,

feigning delight,

while thinking,

I prefer Scottish and Irish whiskey,

and am not a fan of Kentucky bourbon.

 

My sister buys me a CD by the Who,

she\'s bought me their albums several times

over the years, it\'s become as much

a tradition as getting socks for Christmas.

I don\'t recall ever telling her

I like the band.

 

I force a polite smile on my face

and enthuse about

how each gift is just perfect

how I love it

How did you know?

I ask, while thinking,

do you not know 

me at all?

 

When the family have left

and I have washed out

the mugs and glasses, 

I turn to the random pile 

of presents.

 

I pour out a measure of

the American bourbon

and put the CD in the player.

As the rock band kick in

I sniff the liquor with suspicion.

 

The Who album

turns out to be a classic

live LP of the band in their prime.

I sip the bourbon warily

and as it wonderfully burns my throat,

I can\'t help thinking,

how have I never tried this before?

 

When my family were leaving

the gifts had seemed

perfect presents

for somebody else,

it was only afterwards

that it dawned on me,

they know me better 

than I know myself.