Happy Birthday Ella

A best friend knows all your best stories, 

And has ventured into new and foreign territories.

A true friend has lived these memories with you - 

Supporting you to push through -

Painful and challenging hours -

holding you up until your broken vine flowers.

Ella, you are an angel in disguise, 

Altruism and charity you truly epitomise.

As I walk here by your side –

And into a woodland  we stride –

I wish to say thank you, 

For being an inspiring friend that I will always look up to.

—

From scooters and chips at Waitrose in Salisbury, 

To Oxford’s Café Baba and strawberry daiquiri.

Oh, how our time shared has flown – 

And as we have grown – 

I think of future memories that are currently unbeknown.

As we reflect on times bygone,

We laugh into a horizon and keep walking on.

I nostalgically mediate on moments in Krakow -

Feeling like it was yesterday somehow.

Sitting in the Jewish quarters Kazmierz,

We listened to the harmonica and local jeers,

And sipped lemonade or polish beers.

Circling the city in a little cart,

We were escorted by a Ukrainian man and encouraged to take part – 

In taking numerous photos, 

Whilst listening to the information he would soon disclose.

A cityscape of art and culture, 

We fell in love with Krakow’s gothic architecture. 

Over local vodka and an Israeli meal,

We felt success with our Wowcher deal.

—

Now back to school and our bread and butter dates – 

Spending time alone from other mates –

Were as special to me as they were to you, 

Giving us a sneak preview – 

Of our life together as the best of friends,

Whereby on one another our happiness surely depends.

Now and forever, 

Rhi and Ella will stand together.

(Thank you for being you Jelly Elly)