One Century And One Year

One Century and one year ago, you were born this very day;
At Perth Amboy in New Jersey, you came the worlds way!
The third of five young children, a heavy load to bear;
Your parents worked hard to feed you, hand me down clothes to wear!
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Then early it was discovered, that you had a talent with your feet;
You tap danced like few of the others, a rising star to greet!
When you were fifteen a tragedy struck home, your Dad a victim of a hit and run;
So you quit school and went to New York City, a new career begun!
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It took not long for your proven prowess, to be discovered by those in know;
You danced your way to stardom, on the Fanny Brice Radio Show!
Years later, in Philadelphia, while appearing at the Club Bali;
My Father saw you performing, saying, “That is the girl for me”!
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The rest is duly recorded, you married then had a son;
Who wishes he still could hold you, on your birthday, a hundred and one!
But you left my side eighteen years ago, now so often I shed lonely tears;
For the woman who was my dear Mother, with whom I shared fifty-nine years!
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Happy Birthday Mom
You may be no longer here
But ne’er forgotten