We’ve gathered here to celebrate
the birthday of a friend.
We hope (his/her) weird behavior
will soon be at an end.
(He/She) didn’t go to school today.
(He/She) missed a spelling test.
They wouldn’t let (him/her) on the bus,
because (he/she) wasn’t dressed.
(He/She) hasn’t made (his/her) bed
or cleaned (his/her) room for several years.
We called (his/her) room a pig pen,
and (he/she) burst out into tears.
One think about dear (name)
that makes us very proud:
When (he/she) throws a temper tantrum,
(he/she) always draws a crowd.
It’s very clear our birthday (boy/girl)
is going through a stage.
We hope that (his/her) behavior
will catch up to (his/her) age.
Text © Bruce Lansky reprinted from Happy Birthday to Me!, published by Meadowbrook Press. Illustration © Jack Lindstrom. Any copying or use of this poem or illustration without consent is unlawful.
Click on the book cover below for more information or to buy the book.