July 4th 1886 <br /> <br /> <br />I know a happy little boy, <br />They call him Charlie Gray, <br />Whose face is bright, because you know, <br />He's six years old to-day. <br /> <br />I scarce can think six years have passed <br />Since Charlie really came, <br />I well remember long ago, <br />We never heard his name. <br /> <br />But here he is, almost a man, <br />With knickerbockers on, <br />And baby dresses packed away, <br />You'll find them, every one. <br /> <br />And every year as time rolls on, <br />And Charlie's birthdays come, <br />The world goes out to celebrate <br />With banner, fife, and drum. <br /> <br />At sunrise on those happy days <br />The cannon's deaf'ning roar, <br />Reminded us that Charlie Gray <br />Was two, or three, or four. <br /> <br />But now those landmarks all are passed, <br />He's getting fast away, <br />The boy's a man, no baby now, <br />He's six years old to-day. <br /> <br />Just think of it, ye many friends <br />Who wish him worlds of joy, <br />That Charlie Gray is six to-day, <br />A patriotic boy. <br /> <br />And if he sometimes noisy grows, <br />What matter, if he's right? <br />Give me the boys that make a noise <br />And play with all their might. <br /> <br />I know 'tis whispered far and near, <br />That Charlie loves his way, <br />But I can tell of grown up men, <br />Who do the same to-day. <br /> <br />Who never yield or quit the field, <br />Can you blame Charlie then? <br />For most small boys will imitate <br />What's seen in grown up men. <br /> <br />And now good friends, I give you leave <br />To find him if you can, <br />Another boy, more glad with joy, <br />Than this brave little man. <br /> <br />Heigh ho! I still am in a maze, <br />To think he's six to-day, <br />Some other time I'll tell you more, <br />If-Charlie says I may.<br /><br />Annie McCarer Darlington<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-birthday-greeting-to-my-little-nephew/
