Let us have birthdays every day, <br />(I had the thought while I was shaving) <br />Because a birthday should be gay, <br />And full of grace and good behaving. <br />We can't have cakes and candles bright, <br />And presents are beyond our giving, <br />But let lt us cherish with delight <br />The birthday way of lovely living. <br /> <br />For I have passed three-score and ten <br />And I can count upon my fingers <br />The years I hope to bide with men, <br />(Though by God's grace one often lingers.) <br />So in the summers left to me, <br />Because I'm blest beyond my merit, <br />I hope with gratitude and glee <br />To sparkle with the birthday spirit. <br /> <br />Let me inform myself each day <br />Who's proudmost on the natal roster; <br />If Washington or Henry Clay, <br />Or Eugene Field or Stephen Foster. <br />oh lots of famous folks I'll find <br />Who more than measure to my rating, <br />And so thanksgivingly inclined <br />Their birthdays I'll be celebrating. <br /> <br />For Oh I know the cheery glow| <br />Of Anniversary rejoicing; <br />Let me reflect its radiance so <br />My daily gladness I'll be voicing. <br />And though I'm stooped and silver-haired, <br />Let me with laughter make the hearth gay, <br />So by the gods I may be spared <br />Each year to hear: "Pop, Happy Birthday."<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/birthdays/
