TRYING TO KEEP A SECRET

Trying to keep a secret is extremely hard to do.

You almost need training or to ask James Bond what to do.

Especially when the secret you are trying to hide is for someone close to you.

Occasionally, there is a slip-up. It is so easy to do.

When someone rings at your door with a hot water dispenser for 62.

It is then your quick-thinking explanation has to meet an earlier calculation of afternoon tea and cake for 15.

The phone that keeps ringing, and everyone rushing to grab it before “you know who”.

It’s the cake shop, calling for measurements to be checked even when the name they have already got.

As, surprisingly, this type of error happens quite a lot.

Invitations have been sent by email, to prevent a nosy parker from sussing the lot.

Neighbours gathering in huddles, with rapid dispersing when the culprit comes to join in.

One person is dedicated to head them off with innocent explanations, as order is quickly restored.

The strain is shared by all ’til the day before the special day.

When I choose my moment to say, “We are going to the Mitre Hotel by Hampton Court on the Thames. Just you and I to celebrate in private your 90th birthday.”

The minute we left, an army of neighbours descended on the house to free it for its dressing, ready for the next day.

When tables and chairs arrived in pairs to be spread around the garden, umbrellas colourfully upright, for sun or, please not, rain.  

Dining room table arranged for self service for 58.

The penny drops with a clang: “What is going on?”

Time to come clean.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen