You told me once

that your eyes were not as bright

as the colored ribbon

to which I'd compared them

I wonder if you think yourself

less admirable

less deserving of praise

than my many words have claimed

I cannot prove

before a panel of judges

that you are the most beautiful

the lovliest

the most adorable

But even if it were so
(though I do not grant it) 

that in the beauty of the eyes

others were as lovely as you

There would still be
That other, deeper beauty
The one, as it's said of the Blessed Virgin,
by which you outshine all around you

You are not the most beautiful

because your features are perfect

because your hair is lustrous

because your skin is flawless

because your eyes are bright

You are the most beautiful

because your beauty radiates from your luminous spirit
And shines through your exquisite soul

And that kind of beauty will last forever

Happy Birthday, Beautiful One