'a cone all alone on top of a hill' <br />was a sad little character <br />from your very first story <br /> <br />at Bellbird lane you slept <br />in the hallway lined with books <br />absorbing words like a sponge <br /> <br />at two you were king of the highchair <br />in the middle of the kitchen <br />demanding names <br /> <br />at the Learning Co-op, Pat <br />let you use rude words <br />like bum and pooh and fart <br /> <br />at Steiner your words were clever, <br />and essays discerning and witty - <br />even when the black dog bit <br /> <br />since school, through the Melways <br />Directory of your life, your words <br />have nourished and sustained you <br />and amused and charmed those around you <br /> <br />you, my firstborn, whom I cherish beyond words <br />who reads my poems and encourages <br />me honestly and diplomatically <br />on this soft day on September 8, <br />I wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY<br /><br />Alison Cassidy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-birthday-poem-for-keppel/
