With my quarter century
But one year away
I celebrate the day
Of my birth today
I have this ritual
I perform every year
And this time I've written it
In the verse you see here
Each year at this time
I pause and take thought
Of all that I've learnt
And all that I've taught
I think of the person
That I have been
And all the wonders
That I have seen
I think of the ones
That I hold dear
And cherish them all
Though far or near
Of what has happened
This year gone by
I think and allow myself
A heartfelt sigh
The highlight was when
My wife gave birth
To a gorgeous young man
Who fills me with mirth
This year I have spent
Watching him grow
Time passes so quickly
I ask where did it go?
I juggle commitments
Which isn't so hard
I spend time with my son
And to hell with the yard
With a newly built house
There's much work to be done
But I'd rather play with my boy
We have such fun!!
Other things have happened
Both good and bad
Things which have made me
Both happy and sad
But all in all
This year has been good
I am confident that I
Have done all I could
To enrich the lives
Of my family and friends
And as this year
Draws to an end
I ponder what will
The next year bring
What reasons to cry
What reasons to sing
From what I have learnt
How to improve my life
And how to keep
Myself out of stryfe.