Paul Chong

20 January 2019

Originally penned on 1 March 1997

This poem is specially dedicated to a dear friend whose birthday is on 29 February, which comes round only once every four years . . . the leap year.

Today is like no other day

It should have been your birthday

A small step but a giant leap

Leaping out of your reach.

You are one of those unusual peers

Whose birthdays come round once every four years

You remain the same “age” for more

But suddenly you have to add on “four”.

Wish we could remain young forever

Growing old is no fun whatsoever

Despite grievances we have one gift

The growing wisdom which He gives.

Wish we could remain young forever