And there in the first moment
that Shelley sings on her birthday,

her adoring fans and friends
remember (as if we’ve forgotten)

one reason of many why we love her
her voice plucking our heartstrings:

It only takes a moment
to be loved a whole life long…

It’s in the music, a two-way street,
the vibrant jazz singer sending

her love into the world
with every note.

How much do you love me?
Tell me in a song…

She does, and singing along
with her, we do, too.

•••

Happy birthday, dear Shelley!

With thanks and appreciation to Shelley Burns and Avalon Swing for another great show at Twin Lotus Thai in Sacramento of classic jazz by oh-so-classy musicians!