Off and Springing: Three Quarters Of A Birthday Poem

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Off and Springing
Family Rhymes by H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D.
copyright © 1991-2003

Three Quarters Of A Birthday Poem
to Ben A. Wakes on his 75th birthday, from Your Son The Doctor

We all live just as long as the Creator will allow;
If age can bring us wisdom, then you're Solomon by now.
Indulge me while I dabble in some very simple math:
You're three quarters of a century, and I've lived barely half.

When wanting to express myself, I know just what to do.
I guess I got my wit and creativity from you.
But when it comes to rhyming words I sometimes have to laugh:
You're three quarters of the poet, while I am merely half.

It's tricky finding meaning and fulfillment in our lives,
As we've discerned in dealing with our children and our wives.
The road to inner peace is no less arduous a path:
You're three quarters to enlightenment, and I am scarcely half.

Your relatives decided to prepare a special book,
A tribute on your birthday. Open up, and take a look.
You'll see I have composed for you (you're bound to think me daft)
Three quarters of a birthday poem. I should have stopped at half.

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