A life in a day, a day in a year
To reflect on the things that delivered me here
From slingshots and rocks to a Pentium IV
The weakness and Innocence, now worlds at war

Those seraphs and demons with knowledge imparted
To those who abandoned my youth broken-hearted
A bittersweet grin and a toast every year
For the wisdom and strength that delivered me here.

The father and mother and grandparents view
Exposed me to worlds both ancient and new
Through their genius and folly — some lessons unclear
Shaped me to be the man I am here.

To siblings and kinsmen whose quarrels I cherish
For the bonds of blood, to the end, shall not perish.
That love involves being hurt by those we hold dear
Is a lesson enduring and well noted here.

To the cast of the mold that passes my way
For giving me hope for the youth of today
And on the same tone — the guilt and the fear
Of not welcoming you when they delivered you here.

To the one whom I love — from whom I have known
That living is not a life lived alone
In my heart and mind you shall always be near
As a part of my soul every day of the year.

Finally a wish that some stranger’s recollection
Finds my name penned as a small inspiration
When they reflect on their life for a day in a year
Of those who took part in delivering them here.