Happy birthday,
little boy Beau,
they could fill books
with the things
you don’t know.
You’ll learn a start
from your teachers
and then some more
down under
the bleachers.
You’ll learn to run
across a field
with your team and
opponents
on your heel.
You’ll learn of worlds
waiting in books
filled with magic
and secrets
if you look.
But all the words
up on the shelf
can’t teach you what
you’ll have to
live yourself.
Love that feels like
third degree burns,
joy, pain, and awe
will visit you
in their turns.
But I know you’ll
always get through
because I know
the people who
care about you.
I hope you learn
to ride a bike
and that you can
be anyone
that you’d like.
But there’s one thing
I’d always add,
be as much
as you can
like your old
mom and dad.