I’m five today,

how very grown up.

The things I have learnt to do.

I can brush my hair,

clean my teeth

and tie a bow in my shoe.

 

I can carry a bag,

when we visit the store.

I can walk and run and skip.

I can swing on a swing,

slide on a slide.

Or pretend to Captain a ship.

 

I can draw and paint.

I can count to ten.

I can recite the alphabet.

I can roll on the grass.

I can catch a ball,

or play with my Lego set.

 

I can give mum a kiss.

I can give dad a hug.

I know to say please and thank you.

There’s such a lot

to learn when you’re five

but it’s all such fun to do.

 

So I think I’ll stay five.

It’s a nice sort of age

for someone who’s clever like me.

But most of all

I want to be five.

‘cos right now

it’s the best I can be.

 

 

David Garlick, Victoria, October, 1990