Ode to Mim Bryan, on her 85th birthday, September 29, 2012
(with the usual apologies to Gilbert & Sullivan)

She is the very model of a modern family matriarch,
And yes, she’s turning 85, but clearly hasn’t lost her spark.
She’s smart, she’s kind, she dances too: she is a triple threat-ical.
The world’s a better place because our Mim is energetical!

In Oceanport she served for years elected borough councilor.
Her parks and pathways demonstrated vision: beauty to restore.
The sidewalks, playgrounds, plantings, she knew every flower bed-icle.
The world’s a better place because our Mim is energetical!

She not so long ago reported for the Red Bank Register.
A journalist cajoling statements, “Don’t just shake you head, mister!”
She wrote up those opinions both devoted and heretical.
The world’s a better place because our Mim is energetical!

When she moves into town she wants to meet with every resident–
When she gets warmed up she will be your next committee president.
She always is devoted ’cause mere sloth is antithetical.
The world’s a better place because our Mim is energetical!

She flew to Texas coastline just to study her photography;
She travels with her buddies on their visits far across the sea;
She has a plan for Venus but it’s only theoretical.
The world’s a better place because our Mim is energetical!

In judging flower arranging her opinion is invincible.
When training other judges she will teach them every principle.
The greens and colors coalesce in balance asymmetrical.
The world’s a better place because our Mim is energetical!

Events and social happenings, the hymns and service order, she
Will edit up the programs for her church’s welcome ministry.
Arranging all the paragraphs—chaotic, alphabetical—
The world’s a better place because our Mim is energetical!

When necessary she will swing a mop or hoist a cleaning pail,
Or start an arts department in her little town of Allendale.
She doesn’t take it easy ’cause of minor problems medical.
The world’s a better place because our Mim is energetical!

Recounting all her accomplishments is touching on miraculous.
A list of all she’s done is something major and spectaculous.
Enumerating all, it taxes talents arithmetical:
The world’s a better place because our Mim is energetical!

By Rick and Suzanne Bryan
Happy Birthday, September 29, 2012