Two great writers one great poem.
My sister, Jean Bogdanski Stratton and my son James Bogdanski wrote this beautiful poem for my birthday. It touched my heart and I wanted to share this masterpiece.
1953 was a very good year.
Little Mikey arrived, bringing with him good cheer.
One of millions of Baby boomers you’d be
But just baby brother between you and me
Born a Taurus, the sign of the bull
Brave and bold with a heart so full
Twas the decade of hotrods, Elvis, and transistor radio
The best-selling single on your birthday? "The Doggie in the Window"
You say I was your first bully when I was 5 and you 4
You soon would become sore
Me pushing the swing into your eye forcing a scar
Then closing your hand in the door of the car
At 16 a dust up with the neighborhood bully next door,
Little did we know your name would become one of lore
Karate gave you a business, a career – a very clear sign
That soon you’d leave your competitors flat on their behinds
A penchant for nicknames would become your thing
A gift to your favorites with a special ring
You have your fair share, too, and I can see why
Too many to count, but I’ll give it a try
An enterprising mind, Mike “make a buck” Bogdanski
Putnam’s karate kid, it’s very own Mister Miyagi
To family, you were Dad, Grampy, Uncle Stongman,
To thousands more, their number-one sensei and KJN
You always refer to me as your favorite sister
And I always reply, “You’re darn right, mister!”
Gwompkis became your favorite gift
I know that it always gave you quite a lift
You’ve hobbies aplenty, with guns and ammo galore
An arsenal so vast, you couldn’t possibly fit more
Should the zombie apocalypse occur or WW III
To your house Dave, Alex and I will flee
In ‘84, you welcomed a son, best buddies for life
Then in ‘08, marriage to Linda, your wife
From there, your family grew more than you could know
A daughter, another son, and now 4 grandkids in tow!
Your students could look to learn what matters most
Courage, kindness and respect – never prideful boasts
Like seedlings under the sun, you watered them with care
For 50 years, passing on knowledge, helping them prepare
Not to be warriors, fighters, or ninjas, not at all
But to be good citizens, ready to answer the call
Round the globe you trotted, competing near and far
Poland, South Korea, Australia, even the U.S.S.R.!
A cultural ambassador you have been,
Spreading good will, making new friends
Have you thought what 70 would be?
Here with lots of friends and family
Celebrating your seventh decade
Having it made in the shade
But even in retirement, there’s no stopping you, you’re busy as a bee
Social-media organizer, Class of ‘71 at Norwich Free Academy
Highlighting birthdays, planning trips, even the occasional lunch
Methinks you have politics on your mind, or so I have a hunch
If George Lucas hadn’t already written this line
Our beloved James Bogdanski would have created this with you in mind,
May the force/fourth always be with you
Looking forward to seeing the next thing you do.
So here let this poem come to an end
Spoken from the heart by your sister, your friend
The years are measured in moments, memories, and joy
Edited and immeasurably added to by your number one boy
Much love, Jean, James and Dave (in collaboration)
