On turning 24

It’s time again to sing once more

The happy birthday song!

To sing the old year out the door

O new year - come along!

It was today two score and four

Years down the mem’ry lane

A little girl that I adore

Into my heart walked in.

As time flew by and I grew old

She?  Oh she grew young!

With eyes that laughed and lips that sang

A song she first time sung!

It was the merry tune of life

Set to the beat of time

As nurs’ry days turned into school

Then uni days came by.

From toddler to a child she grew

Then on to teenage years

Into a woman she has turned

Beat all the odds and fears.

Now bold and strong all poised for flight

She stands with wings stretched wide

Eyes set on far and distant star

She’s chuz on to abide.

And I? I watch her preen with pride

I dare not even blink my eyes

I fear I might just miss the sight

Of when she takes into the skies.

O she must go, I know she must

It’s time’s decree: what must, must be

But I, ‘accustomed to her face’

Now find it hard to set her free.