What is the best birthday present you can give someone? For families far-flung around the globe, just arriving in person is a perfect gift. On February 24th, when we gathered at our friend Michael Ceurvorst’s beautiful home on Kauai for his 70th birthday, we were treated to the company of his daughter Lucille Teckla, who joined us from Hong Kong.
Michael wrote us:
We — Michael Anthony, Lucille Alice, and our beautiful daughter Lucille Teckla journeying here from Hong Kong – welcome you Sunday Feb 24, 4 – 8 p.m. on the last day of my 69th year, for all the p’s above: poetry, politics, pool, ping-pong, pupus.
On poetry, an invite. I will read seven of my own poems, not really one from each decade though that’s the symbolic import. Anyone so inclined please bring a poem meaningful to you so we can share poetry in our lives.
On politics I will utter a few insightful generalities about today’s twisty turns, and welcome anyone — particularly those currently engaged in the profession — to share her/his observations, pains or pleasures. Think functionally, not partisanly: Are our tools right for the job? What interests/forces/ideals contend? Contexts can be local, regional, national, global, epochal, as you wish.
Per Michael’s request in his invitation, several of us brought poems and read them to the group. Lee Morey wrote one for the occasion and presented it in a frame.
I read a poem by my father which resonated with quite a few people so I wanted to provide the link to it here: The Kiss
There were special musical performances, also a great gift idea for Dad.
Arius Hopman played the flute for Michael. He asked the room if anyone could join him in playing a second flute and Cal Sears stepped up. These traditional flutes were made in Kalalau from Hawaiian bamboo found on Na Pali. Arius made the tuning Arabic.
Michael’s wife Lucille Alice and their daughter Lucille Teckla prepared birthday cupcakes for this big occasion. Each cupcake had a number on it from 1 to 70.
Of course guests help make a party a memorable event. The guests joined Michael in contributing to the robust and very interesting discussion on the state of the American political system.
After the group discussion, we enjoyed food, ping pong, pool and each each other’s company.
Unique Gift Ideas For Dad
Photos by Ray Gordon
We forgot to tell people about the guest register at the entrance, so if you didn’t leave a message there or even if you did, please take this opportunity in the comments here to leave a message for Michael.