Let's make this birthday one to remember.

86 years old (Born on April 13, 1939)

Happy birthday, Seamus Heaney! May your celebrations be as epic and timeless as your translation of Beowulf—though hopefully with fewer monsters and more cake. Your poetic genius has transformed bogs into beauty, frogs into philosophy, and ancient heroes into modern marvels.

From the earthy charm of "Death of a Naturalist" to the lyrical brilliance in "Field Work," you've captured hearts worldwide—and snagged that Nobel Prize along the way. Here's hoping this year brings you even greater inspiration (and perhaps another literary dragon or two). Cheers to you, Seamus—may your verses flow freely and your metaphors never run dry!