Feb. 29,
Two thousand and twelve.
A Leap Year so special to me
For off to Buckingham Palace I leapt
To receive my MBE*.

Prince Charles pinned it on,
We exchanged a few words,
He wanted to know what I’d done.
Shook hands, bowed my head,
Stepped backwards, well-bred,
Then walked off with what I had won.

T’was a memorable occasion,
Of that there’s no doubt,
But, alas, with no annual cheers
For, because of the date,
Celebrations must wait:
Yes, it’s bubbly now every four years!


© by Nick Balmforth.
Used with the author’s permission.

*An MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) is part of the British Honours system that recognises and rewards outstanding public service.