Birthday Poem for a Sixteen-Year-Old

NOW THAT I’M SIXTEEN

by

Grandma Baadsgaard

Happy Birthday Josh. I sure love you.

Now that I’m sixteen,

I’m old enough to drive.

Everyone stay off the roads,

If you want to survive.

Now that I’m sixteen,

I’m old enough to date.

I hope she says, “Yes,”

Before it is too late.

Now that I’m sixteen,

I fix pizzas with a flare.

Get your Papa Murphy’s

But only if you dare.

Now that I’m sixteen,

I make stuff that explodes.

Parents getting grey hair

Afraid they will implode.

Now that I’m sixteen,

I’m ordained to be a priest

I see a man emerging

At times and places at least

Now that I’m sixteen

I bless the sacrament

In white shirt, tie and suit coat

I knell – a prayer is sent

First the cups are filled

Next I break the bread.

Then slowly I read

And sacred words are said.

 Soon I will leave home

Take Christ’s promise with me -

For I’ll serve a mission

Where God will help me see -

That life is so much more

Than getting just for me.

It is giving and receiving love

Joy and peace you can see.

When I return home

I will grow to be much more

For when you work with God

Your manhood learns to soar