My Birthday

T

he following poem tugs at the heart. The poem was written by Mayan, one of my young students, and it’s full of joy. The poem was eventually included in a book of poems that originated in the hearts and minds of young people.

I’d love to see all children across the world have a chance at a birthday like this one!

MY BIRTHDAY

I see ice cream cake, my favourite!

I see presents wrapped in pretty paper.

I hear people saying and singing – HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to me!

I hear people laughing, talking, and having fun.

I feel excited when I open my presents.

I feel happy to have so many friends.

I taste delicious hot dogs.

I taste corn candy too.

I smell the smoke from my blown out candles.

I smell the hot dogs on the barbecue.

This is my special birthday with all of my friends.

Mayan is in Grade 3. She has an older brother. She also has two dogs for pets. Some of her favourites are the colour purple, art class, going to the beach, making a snow fort or a snow man in winter, her birthday, and eating any flavour of ice cream but not potatoes. She hopes to be a vet one day.