Major Henry Livingston, Jr. wrote this birthday greeting for his sister Joanna when she turned thirty-three. Speaking as her brother, he blends his own happiness with hers and promises to share in any sorrow. The poem first gently reminds her that even if some things have been denied, much has been given: good health, a clear mind, an untarnished reputation, a caring husband, and the joy of watching her healthy children. The sight of their bright faces passing by feels like a kind of renewal—she will live on through them and through generations to come. Then the tone lifts into a tender wish for her future: bright skies, peaceful paths, no hidden thorns, and joys that grow with every year until time dissolves into one unending day. The overall mood is affectionate and serene, full of familial love and quiet optimism. It feels like a warm, heartfelt toast from a brother who deeply cherishes his sister's well-being.
On my Sister Joanna's Entrance into Her 33rd Year — Summary
On this thy natal day permit a friend - A brother - with thy joys his own to blend: In all gladness he would wish to share As willing in thy griefs a part to bear.
Meekly attend the ways of higher heav'n! Is much deny'd? Yet much my dear is giv'n. Thy health, thy reason unimpaired remain And while as new fal'n snows thy spotless fame The partner of thy life, attentive - kind - And blending e'en the interests of the mind.
What bliss is thine when fore thy glistring eye Thy lovely infant train pass jocund by! The ruddy cheek, the smiling morning face Denote a healthy undegenerate race: In them renew'd, you'll live and live again, And children's children's children lisp thy name. Bright be the skies where'er my sister goes Nor scowling tempests injure her repose - The field of life with roses thick be strow'd Nor one sharp thorn lie lurking in the road. Thy ev'ry path be still a path of peace And each revolving year thy joys increase; Till hours and years of time itself be o'er And one eternal day around thee pour.