'a cone all alone on top of a hill' br was a sad little character br from your very first story br br at Bellbird lane you slept br in the hallway lined with books br absorbing words like a sponge br br at two you were king of the highchair br in the middle of the kitchen br demanding names br br at the Learning Co-op, Pat br let you use rude words br like bum and pooh and fart br br at Steiner your words were clever, br and essays discerning and witty - br even when the black dog bit br br since school, through the Melways br Directory of your life, your words br have nourished and sustained you br and amused and charmed those around you br br you, my firstborn, whom I cherish beyond words br who reads my poems and encourages br me honestly and diplomatically br on this soft day on September 8, br I wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAYbr br Alison Cassidybr br