An Irish Fumble

Nettie knew the Irish Blessing had to have more than one line, but darned if she could remember what it was.  She could have just stopped mid-blessing and left it alone, but who knew if it would even work?  She almost got away with it, too… the guest had just cleared the front doorstep when she uttered those final bewildering words that made him stop and turn in disbelief, saying “Wha-a-a-a???”

May the road rise up to meet you,
… may your flowers ever grow …
… may … your … toes never tremble …
and your … voice be ever low!

Both she and the now unconventionally blessed guest dissolved into convulsions of laughter that threatened to completely derail the graceful exit he had been attempting to make.  Upon consideration, however, as she slowly closed the door, still wiping away the tears of mirth, she reflected that the alternative was unthinkable: dead flowers, trembling toes and a squeaky voice?  May it never *be*!!  No, she concluded; despite the fumble, the blessing was indeed legitimate.