.

Inviting Some Friends
to a Birthday Dinner

after Ben Jonson’s “Inviting a Friend to Supper”

Tonight, dear friends, you’re welcome to observe
Another birthday dinner—and deserve
To know it’s mainly an excuse for us
To invite friends, no gifts required, no fuss
Expected, though I will confess, I still
Take joy in marking a new year and will
Provide red wine to warm this winter’s day,
With oatmeal porter further to allay,
And though I’m not a cook, I’ll play the sous
Chef to my wife. We two will bake for you
A rich lasagna, with which you may pair
A side dish of warm bread or other fare,
As suits your taste. Then, gathered ‘round the board,
We’ll have a blessing, thanks unto the Lord,
Offered not by, but for, the birthday boy—
As that’s tradition on my day of joy.
Depending on the evening’s structure we
May have a fire ‘round which we can see
(thanks to my brothers’ woodcraft, not to mine)
A ring of faces happily recline.
And there will be a reading of some sort,
Perhaps a poem of mine, or Pound’s retort,
“The Goodly Fere,” Tennyson’s “Ulysses,”
A psalm of David’s—verses meant to please
By way of thoughtful converse—adding to
These Grahame’s Wind in the Willows, with a view
To deepening cam’raderie this night.
Dessert will be a carrot cake, the sight
Of which, made out with candles, will invite
Praise of my lovely wife—necessitate
The singing of the normal birthday ditty.
Then, finally, if time allows, there’ll be
Another family tradition, where
We’ll make the round and each of you will share
Some way in which the one who’s honored here
Has meant something to you in the past year—
No pressure though, good-natured jests allowed
(Myself already blushing, meekly bowed).
And then we’ll bring the evening to a close,
The gathering of coats; each muffled nose;
Embraces at the door and wishes for
Safe travel as we see you out the door.

.

.

Jeremiah Johnson got his MA in Rhetoric in 2003 and then ran off to China to teach for a decade.  His work has appeared in the Sequoyah and Ekphrastic Reviews.  He is also currently a teacher of English Composition and World Literature at the University of North Georgia.  He lives in Cumming, GA.

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17 Responses

  1. Monika Cooper

    It reminds me of “My Own John Poins” as well. Really lovely. Tradition continues into our end of the age, if we make space for it to happen and contribute what talent we have. Also appreciate the recognition of the humility it takes to receive honor. People who say they’re “humbled” by praise are onto something after all.

    Reply
    • Jeremiah Johnson

      Thanks for the Wyatt recommendation! I need to read more of his work. Another favorite that always comes to mind in this “tradition” is Tennyson’s “To the Rev. F. D. Maurice”

      Reply
  4. Mia

    So lovely, makes me wish I was there.
    Will be having some friends round soon, starting Christmas early. Can’t decide between lasagne or moussaka. Apple tart for dessert because I find it easier to make but carrot cake for a birthday is the tops.
    Thank you for such an enjoyable poem beautifully composed.

    Reply
  6. ben grinberg

    Dear Mr. Johnson,

    Thank you for your poem. I enjoyed reading it.

    It reminded me of festive occasions that my family has celebrated.

    What came to mind was passover dinner at my granparents’ house. My grandfather would sing. Grandmother would serve food. And the whole family would join it.

    Reply
  7. Sally Cook

    Jeremiah —

    Your meter gets a bit lumpy here and there, but the warmth of the loasagna, the wine, kind conversation and reading of poetry in its proper polace are so engaging and attractive that I don’t care ! Second helping, please, and more.

    Reply
    • Jeremiah Johnson

      Thanks for the thoughtful critiquing, Sally. This I guess is obvious, but I find my meter flows much better when I’m not trying to rhyme. I’ve been brushing up on the rhyming though lately, so hopefully, with practice, the meter will fall more in line.

      Reply
  8. Jeremiah Johnson

    Glad everyone relates to good food and company! ‘Tis the season for it, right?

    Reply
  9. Norma Pain

    A most enjoyable poem Jeremiah. Everyone loves a birthday party and this one contains a lot of delicious treats and plenty of joy. Thank you.

    Reply
  10. Margaret Coats

    A happy literary birthday indeed! Oatmeal porter is new to this wine lover, but looking it up, I’d try it for a special occasion. Best wishes for many years of Jonsonian tradition translated by you and your family.

    Reply
  11. James Sale

    Ben Jonson is a favourite poet and playwright of mine: his lines on the death of his son are, perhaps, some of the most moving in the language. It’s good, therefore, to see you using one of his poems as a model. I like this very much, and have to make a curious admission (given recent controversies on Pound): your mention of the Ballad of the Goodly Fere is probably the only poem by Pound I like!!! So, your taste on poetry to read I have to approve – especially the Psalms of course! Well done – a lovely scene, and go on using models; that’s the way to grow as a poet. PS. I have known many Jeremys, but much prefer Jeremiah – that’s what I call a real name!!!

    Reply
    • Jeremiah Johnson

      Thanks for your thoughts!

      Pound leaves me underwhelmed too, but I’ve always loved that one. Regarding names, my Dad’s name was Ben Johnson (“Dr. Ben,” if you happen to go searching alternative medicine), which sometimes gets a chuckle when I talk up the poet with fam’ly and friends. I was actually named after the movie, “Jeremiah Johnson,” the main character of which bore a remarkable resemblance to my father’s personality. More than you wanted to know, I’m sure!

      Reply

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