Dame Judi Dench 90th birthday poem by Henry Dawe

A poem by Henry Dawe to celebrate Dame Judi Dench's 90th birthday on December 9, 2024

Transcript

00:00This lady truly is unique, A precious gem, a rare antique.

00:16She sparkles brightly in our sky, She's made us laugh, she's made us cry.

00:24For so long our pride and joy, And I've loved her man and boy.

00:30She's been there to serve us all, Never failing to enthrall.

00:36Her company brings such delight, She cheers up any gloomy night.

00:42To leave her always is a wrench, By her I mean Dame Judi Dench.

00:51She has borne a heavy load, She has travelled many a road,

00:55Many a turning, many a fork, Since her tale began in York.

01:00That young girl showed such craft and skill, That she was cast in work by will,

01:06That Shakespeare, I should make it clear, The Stratford Bard whom she holds dear.

01:13Admirably she kept her cool, When that day in Liverpool,

01:17She debuted in Hamlet there, Basking in the spotlight's glare.

01:22Her talent left no one in doubt, She was the one to shout about.

01:27Tastier than a dish from Delia, She served up a fine Ophelia.

01:34That was just the start of things, Weighty parts, then wedding rings,

01:38Passed between two sweethearts fair, Dashing, dainty, debonair.

01:45She found her strength and stay, her rock, Until there came her cruelest knock.

01:53Bravely facing life's dark cycle, She fought back from losing Michael.

02:02She has played illustrious roles, Juliet and Sally Bowles,

02:06Iris Murdoch, gentle Jean, and Goodbess, the Virgin Queen.

02:11Titania and M. in Bond, Securing fame across the pond.

02:17But home is here, upon these shores, We thrill at each success she scores.

02:27And her fans have been so loyal, Seeing her as almost royal.

02:32She has splendour, charm, and grace, Radiance glows upon her face.

02:40It's true that all the world's her stage, And every day she fills a page of this,

02:47Her story, in her hand.

02:50My, how she has enriched our land!

02:55On her path she's met the greats, Heroes, giants, heavyweights,

03:00Actors, writers, and top brass, Saw her style, her wit, her class.

03:09She's known them from Cleese to Oddy, Brucey, Kenny, Babs, and Doddy.

03:14Joined by thesps from Reggie Perrin, She's swapped jokes with old Ned Sheeran.

03:21Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Fry, Never does an hour go by

03:25When she does not thank and praise Gifted stars who've shared her days.

03:34But one star outshines all today.

03:38One beacon guides them on their way To that most sumptuous birthday feast,

03:44With cake and treacle tart at least.

03:49Ninety candles there to see, Ninety years, that's more than me.

04:00Britain now shows gratitude To its one, its only, Jude.