A poem by Henry Dawe to celebrate Dame Judi Dench's 90th birthday on December 9, 2024
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00:00This lady truly is unique, A precious gem, a rare antique.
00:16She sparkles brightly in our sky, She's made us laugh, she's made us cry.
00:24For so long our pride and joy, And I've loved her man and boy.
00:30She's been there to serve us all, Never failing to enthrall.
00:36Her company brings such delight, She cheers up any gloomy night.
00:42To leave her always is a wrench, By her I mean Dame Judi Dench.
00:51She has borne a heavy load, She has travelled many a road,
00:55Many a turning, many a fork, Since her tale began in York.
01:00That young girl showed such craft and skill, That she was cast in work by will,
01:06That Shakespeare, I should make it clear, The Stratford Bard whom she holds dear.
01:13Admirably she kept her cool, When that day in Liverpool,
01:17She debuted in Hamlet there, Basking in the spotlight's glare.
01:22Her talent left no one in doubt, She was the one to shout about.
01:27Tastier than a dish from Delia, She served up a fine Ophelia.
01:34That was just the start of things, Weighty parts, then wedding rings,
01:38Passed between two sweethearts fair, Dashing, dainty, debonair.
01:45She found her strength and stay, her rock, Until there came her cruelest knock.
01:53Bravely facing life's dark cycle, She fought back from losing Michael.
02:02She has played illustrious roles, Juliet and Sally Bowles,
02:06Iris Murdoch, gentle Jean, and Goodbess, the Virgin Queen.
02:11Titania and M. in Bond, Securing fame across the pond.
02:17But home is here, upon these shores, We thrill at each success she scores.
02:27And her fans have been so loyal, Seeing her as almost royal.
02:32She has splendour, charm, and grace, Radiance glows upon her face.
02:40It's true that all the world's her stage, And every day she fills a page of this,
02:47Her story, in her hand.
02:50My, how she has enriched our land!
02:55On her path she's met the greats, Heroes, giants, heavyweights,
03:00Actors, writers, and top brass, Saw her style, her wit, her class.
03:09She's known them from Cleese to Oddy, Brucey, Kenny, Babs, and Doddy.
03:14Joined by thesps from Reggie Perrin, She's swapped jokes with old Ned Sheeran.
03:21Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Fry, Never does an hour go by
03:25When she does not thank and praise Gifted stars who've shared her days.
03:34But one star outshines all today.
03:38One beacon guides them on their way To that most sumptuous birthday feast,
03:44With cake and treacle tart at least.
03:49Ninety candles there to see, Ninety years, that's more than me.
04:00Britain now shows gratitude To its one, its only, Jude.