THE DAY AFTER YOUR BIRTHDAY

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 THE DAY AFTER YOUR BIRTHDAY


Take your kids 
to the naturalist talk.
Tell the guide you’ll hang in the back,
ready to peel off when they’ve had enough.

They’ll find walking sticks
and turn them into pointers
little Vana Whites to the Toyon,
The Coyote Bush, and the largest grass
in the area.

When you are not looking,
they’ll stand as close to the speaker
as they do the TV set, and ask questions
one high hand after another.

They’ll protest going, then 
protest being held back
But at bedtime they’ll dream
of swinging amongst the fallen 
Eucalyptus leaves again.



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