'a cone all alone on top of a hill'
was a sad little character
from your very first story

at Bellbird lane you slept
in the hallway lined with books
absorbing words like a sponge

at two you were king of the highchair
in the middle of the kitchen
demanding names

at the Learning Co-op, Pat
let you use rude words
like bum and pooh and fart

at Steiner your words were clever,
and essays discerning and witty -
even when the black dog bit

since school, through the Melways
Directory of your life, your words
have nourished and sustained you
and amused and charmed those around you

you, my firstborn, whom I cherish beyond words
who reads my poems and encourages
me honestly and diplomatically
on this soft day on September 8,
I wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Alison Cassidy

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-birthday-poem-for-keppel/